But gratitude is a distinguishing trait of Indian character; and though apparently obeying the injunctions of their Padre, to follow no directions save his own, they reverenced Dr.Bryant as a being of superior order.
It was beside the bed of a dying friend that Inez first met him.

One long weary night they watched together, and when at last death freed the sufferer, with mingled emotions of admiration and gratitude she thanked him for the attentions conferred with such disinterested benevolence.

She could not avoid contrasting the conduct of the cold and calculating Jesuit with the warm-hearted kindness of the noble stranger.
In a few days it became evident that she had herself imbibed the disease, and her terrified father brought the young physician to restore her.

With unwearied patience he watched over the beautiful Senorita, whom Mrs.Carlton and Mary most carefully nursed, and was rewarded by the glow of returning health.
The idols of her youth were neglected and forgotten; one image filled Inez's heart, and before it she poured out all the passionate love of her ardent nature; hence her aversion to a union with Manuel Nevarro.
Dr.Bryant early perceived her attachment; and knowing full well that he could never return it, avoided her society with a delicacy peculiarly his own.

When thrown accidentally into her presence, his manner was frank, kind, and brotherly.
Inez did not deceive herself for a moment by supposing that he would ever return her love.