Fresh troops arrived in Mexico, and to make room, our regiment, hitherto occupying a garrison in the city, was ordered out to its old quarters at San Angel. This was welcome news for my friend, who would now be near the object of his thoughts. For my own part, although once more on my limbs, I did not desire to return to duty in that quarter; and on various pretexts, I was enabled to lengthen out my "leave" until the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Once only I visited San Angel. As I entered the house where L---- lived, I found him seated in the open _patio_, under the shade of the orange trees. Rafaela was beside him, and his only hand was held in both of hers. There was no surprise on the part of either, though I was welcomed cordially by both--by her, as being the friend of the man she loved. Yes, she loved him. "See," cried L----, rising, and referring to the situation in which I had found them. "All this, my dear H., in spite of my misfortunes!" and he glanced significantly at his armless sleeve. "Who would not love her?" The treaty of Guadalupe was at length concluded, and we had orders to prepare for the route homeward. The next day I received a visit from L----. "Henry," said he, "I am in a dilemma." "Well, major," I replied, for L---- as well as myself had gained a "step." "What is it?" "You know I am in love, and with whom you know. What am I to do with her?" "Why, marry her, of course. What else?" "I dare not." "Dare not!" "That is--not now." "Why not? Resign your commission, and remain here. You know our regiment is to be disbanded; you can not do better." "Ah! my dear fellow, that is not the thing that hinders me." "What then?" "Should I marry her, and remain, our lives would not be safe one moment after the army had marched. Papers containing threats and ribald jests have from time to time been thrust under the door of her house--to the effect that, should she marry 'el official Americano'--so they are worded--both she and her father will be murdered. You know the feeling that is abroad in regard to those who have shown us hospitality." "Why not take her with you, then?" "Her father, he would suffer." "Take him, too." "That I proposed, but he will not consent. He fears the confiscation of his property, which is considerable. I would not care for that, though my own fortune, as you know, would be small enough to support us. But the old man will go on no terms, and she will not leave him."