At those times, we all went out and stood in the music pavilion to watch the drill; and when his horses and guns and caissons thundered down the hill and swept by us at a terrific gallop, our hearts stood still.

Even the dignified Staff permitted themselves a thrill, and as for us women, our excitement knew no bounds.
The brilliant red of the artillery brought color to the rather grey aspect of the quiet Headquarters post, and the magnificent drill supplied the martial element so dear to a woman's heart.
In San Antonio, the New has almost obliterated the Old, and little remains except its pretty green river, its picturesque bridges, and the historic Alamo, to mark it from other cities in the Southwest.
In the late afternoon, everybody drove to the Plaza, where all the country people were selling their garden-stuff and poultry in the open square.

This was charming, and we all bought live fowl and drove home again.

One heard cackling and gobbling from the smart traps and victorias, and it seemed to be a survival of an old custom.

The whole town took a drive after that, and supped at eight o'clock.
The San Antonio people believe there is no climate to equal theirs, and talk much about the cool breezes from the Gulf of Mexico, which is some miles away.