nd out so beautiful, so unselfish, so divine a road to the grave.
Ought she not rather to rejoice that he had been so early called and
blest? To be glad for herself, too, that all her life long she could
keep the exquisite memory of a love so noble?

In the drift of such thoughts, her white, handsome face grew almost
angelic. She sat motionless and let them come to her; as if she were
listening to the comforting angels. For God has many ways of saying
to the troubled soul: "Be at peace"; and, certainly, Antonia had not
anticipated the calmness and resignation which forbid her the tears she
had bespoken.

At length, in that sweet melancholy which such a mental condition
induces, she rose to return to the camp. A few yards nearer to it she
saw Lopez sitting in a reverie as profound as her own had been. He stood
up to meet her. The patience, the pathos, the exaltation in her face
touched his heart as no words could have done. He said, only: "Senorita,
if I knew how to comfort you!"

"I went away to think of the dead, Senor."

"I comprehend--but then, I wonder if the dead remember the living!"

"In whatever dwelling-place of eternity the dear ones who died at Goliad
are, I am sure that they remember. Will the emancipated soul be less
faithful than the souls still earthbound? Good souls could not even wish
to forget--and they were good."

"It will never be permitted me to know two souls more pure, more
faithful, more brave, Juan was as a brother to me, and, BY MY
SANTIGUADA![6] I count it among God's blessings to have known a man like
Senor Grant. A white soul he had indeed; full of great nobilities!"

Antonia looked at him gratefully. Tears uncalled-for sprang into the
eyes of both; they clasped hands and walked mutely back to the camp
together. For the sentiment which attends the realization that all is
over, is gathered silently into the heart; it is too deep for words.

They found the camp already in that flurry of excitement always
attendant upon its rest and rising, and the Senora was impatiently
inquiring for her eldest daughter.

"GRACIOUS MARIA! Is that you, Antonia? At this hour we are all your
servants, I think. I, at least, have been waiting upon your pleasure";
then perceiving the traces of sorrow and emotion on her face, she added,
with an unreasonable querulousness: "I bless God when I see how He
has provided for women; giving them tears, when they have no other
employment for their time."

"Deares