“My bunch is equally beautiful,” cried Florence, holding it up for inspection.  “Pray, Doctor, how came you so thoroughly acquainted with our different tastes?  You have selected admirably.”

“I am gratified at succeeding so happily in my arrangement of them.  But I hope your aunt is not seriously indisposed?”

“No, merely a bad nervous attack, to which she is subject.”

“Miss Mary, as you are free from apprehension on her account, can you take a short ride this evening?  I have a gentle horse at the gate, and if you will trust yourself with me, I think a good canter will benefit you exceedingly:  will you go?”

Mary sought Florence’s eye; it brightened with pleasure.

“Certainly, Mary; why do you hesitate?  I am very glad Dr. Bryant suggested it; I will take good care of aunt, and the ride will doubtless benefit you.”

“You are very kind, Doctor; I will only detain you while I change my dress.”  And she withdrew.

“Don’t you think she looks much better to-day?” asked Florence, anxiously, as her cousin left the room.

“She has certainly more color, but I am afraid it is only a feverish glow.  Let me entreat you, Miss Hamilton, to watch over her with the greatest care:  the slightest exposure might cause a return of that terrible cough, and in her feeble state I fear for the consequences.”

“She has grown very, very thin, within the last month; but then, when warm weather comes again, I doubt not she will grow rosy and strong once more.”  They both sighed heavily, as though against conviction each had striven to cheer the other.

Mary re-entered the room equipped for her ride, and now, for the first time, Florence thought her cousin beautiful.  Beneath her straw hat floated back from her fair face a luxuriant mass of brown curls; a bright blush mantled the delicate cheek, and the gentle blue eyes seemed unusually large and brilliant.  A smile dimpled round her lip as she met the fond glance bent upon her.  Florence tenderly clasped her hand a moment, then kissed her warmly, and bade Dr. Bryant take all care of her.  He promised to do so, and soon they had passed beyond her sight.  They rode slowly, lest Mary should be too much fatigued; and often the eyes of her companion rested on the frail but lovely being by his side.

“Which way shall we ride?”

“If you have no preference, suppose we go to San Pedro?”

“You could not have selected more in accordance with my own wishes.”

A long silence ensued, broken only by the clatter of their horses’ hoofs along the gravel path.

“The prospect of leaving forever these beautiful environs, which I have so often admired, fills me with inexpressible regret.  My heart clings to San Antonio, though my residence here has been very brief;” said Dr. Bryant sadly.

“Do you go to return no more?” asked Mary, with averted head.

“Yes, most probably I shall never see this place again; for I wish to visit Europe so soon as my business affairs are arranged at home, and on my return, shall devote myself to my profession.”  He fixed his eyes earnestly on her face as he spoke.