Then Antonia remembered the uncomfortable state of the household, and the probable necessities of the men coming back from mortal strife and the shadow of death.
She found that the news had already changed the domestic atmosphere.
Every servant was attending to his duty.

Every one professed a great joy in the expected arrival of the Senor.

And what a happy impetus the hope gave to her own hands! How delightful it was to be once more arranging the evening meal, and brightening the rooms with fire and light! Soon after dark they heard the swing of the garden gate, the tramp of rapid footsteps, and the high-pitched voices of excited men.

The door was flung wide.

The Senora forgot that it was cold.