Their tastes were directly opposite, and though they often met, there was no interchange of the deep and holier feelings of the heart.
Frank Bryant was the orphan-brother of Mrs.Carlton, and almost as dearly loved by her as her own darling Elliot.

A few months before St .-- --'s day, he reached San Antonio, on a visit to the sister, from whom he had been separated several years.

Soon after his arrival, an epidemic made its appearance among the lower order of Mexicans; and as there was no resident physician at that early time, his services were speedily in requisition.

The Padre, who numbered among his many acquirements a tolerable knowledge of medicine, viewed with indifference the suffering around him; and was only roused from his lethargy by discovering the flattering estimation in which Frank was held.

Fearing so formidable a rival in the affections of his people, he left no means untried to undermine the popularity so deservedly acquired.