The Mexican servants had an air of insolence and triumph.

Antonia feared for the evening's report--if indeed Navarro should be able to send one.

She feared more when she saw the messenger early in the afternoon.

"Too early is often worse than too late." The proverb shivered upon her trembling lips as she took the letter from him.

The three women read it together, with sinking hearts: "SENORA MARIA FLORES WORTH: "This on the sixth of December, in the year of our Blessed Lord and Lady 1835.