They had been much together in their lives; their childish affection had been permitted; she felt quite sure that the parents of both had contemplated a stronger affection and a more lasting tie between them.
And evidently Don Luis had advanced further in his suit than the Senora was aware of.

He had not been able to resist the charm of secretly wooing the fresh young girl he hoped to make his wife.

Their love must be authorized and sanctioned; true, he wished that; but the charm of winning the prize before it was given was irresistible.

Antonia comprehended all without many words; but she took her sister into the garden, where they could be quite alone, and she sought the girl's confidence because she was sure she could be to her a loving guide.
Isabel was ready enough to talk, and the morning was conducive to confidence.

They strolled slowly between the myrtle hedges in the sweet gloom of overshadowing trees, hearing only like a faint musical confusion the mingled murmur of the city.
"It was just here," said Isabel.