“Elliot, if you would gladden the hearts of your father and mother, be ever truthful.  Remember the story of ‘Pedro and Francisco’ you read not long ago, and put dishonesty and dissimulation far from you:  ‘honesty is the best policy,’ and if you adhere to it through life, it will prove of ‘far more worth than gold.’  Be sure you keep nothing from me, particularly what the Padre may say.”

“Shall we take the peas out under the hackberry and shell them,” said Maria.

“Yes, my dear, but first tell me where Erasmo is.”

“Sitting on the steps, mother.  I know he will help us to shell them, for he said it was mere fun, picking peas.”

“Say nothing to him of the Padre or his conversation, but interest him about other things.”

They left the room swinging the basket between them.  Mrs. Carlton’s eyes filled as she looked after her children.  “A mother’s care can do a great deal, yet how little did I imagine that temptation would assail them at such a time, and in such a garb.”

“Oh, guard them carefully; for, surrounded by these influences, it will be difficult to prevent contamination,” said Mary, earnestly.

Just then a long, loud shout from the street attracted their attention, and hastening to the door, they perceived a crowd gathered on the Plaza.  In the center was a body of Mexican cavalry, headed by their commanding officer, who, hat in hand, was haranguing them.  The ladies looked at each other in dismay.

“To what does this tend?” asked Mary, anxiously.

“My husband told me several days since that Austin was imprisoned in Mexico, and said he feared difficulties would ensue, but knew not the cause of his confinement.”

“There is Dr. Bryant coming toward us; I dare say he can tell us the meaning of this commotion.”

That gentleman, bowing low in the saddle, reined his Steed as near the step as possible.

“How do you do, Miss Hamilton, and you, my dear sister?  I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Mary in her morning rambles; she is a most remarkable young lady.  Assures me she actually loves early rising.”  His dark eyes were fixed laughingly upon her.

“Do stop your nonsense, Frank, and tell us the cause of that crowd,” said Mrs. Carlton, laying her hand on his arm.

“My dear sister, that tall, cadaverous-looking cavalier is the brother-in-law of Santa Anna, and no less a personage than General Cos, sent hither to fortify this and every other susceptible place.”

“Against whom or what?”

“It is a long story, ladies.  You know that Coahuila has pursued an oppressive policy toward us for some time, and refused to hear reason:  Austin remonstrated again and again, and at last went to Mexico, hoping that the authorities would allow us (here he bit his lip, and his cheek flushed)—­it galls my spirit to utter the word—­allow us to form a separate State.  The Congress there took no notice of his petition, for, in truth they