Business took a secondary place.

Men fingered weapons and dreamed of blood, until the temper of the town was as boisterous and vehement as the temper of the amphitheatre when impatiently waiting for the bulls and the matadores.
Nor was it possible for Antonia to lock the door upon this pervading spirit.

After Doctor Worth's flight, it became necessary for her to assume control over the household.

She had promised him to do so, and she was resolved, in spite of all opposition, to follow out his instructions.

But it was by no means an easy task.
Fray Ignatius had both the Senora and Rachela completely under his subjection.