Mock humility it was, and soon so proved itself.

For, as the days passed, rumours reached the distant department of New Mexico that the old tyrant Santa Anna was again returning to power.

And, in proportion as these gained strength, so increased Gil Uraga's confidence in himself, till at length he assumed an air of effrontery--almost insolence--towards his superior officer; and towards the sister, in the interviews he was permitted with her, a manner significantly corresponding.
These were few, and still less frequent, as his brusque behaviour began to manifest itself.

Observing it, Colonel Miranda at length came to the determination that the lancer captain should no longer enter into his house--at least, by invitation.

Any future relations between them must be in the strict execution of their respective military duties.
"Yes, sister," he said, one afternoon, as Adela was buckling on his sword-belt, and helping to equip him for the evening parade, "Uraga must come here no more.