It was as I had supposed. There was an objection to his being united to his _dear Dolores_--her father being chief objector. The young soldier was but a "poor gentleman"--with no other prospect, save that at the point of his sword--not much in Mexico, to a man with an _honest_ heart. There was a rival who was rich; and to this "party" Don Eusebio had promised his daughter--with the threat of a convent in the case of her refusal. Notwithstanding this menace, Francisco was full of hope--based upon the promises of Dolores. She had expressed her determination to share penury with him rather than wed the _rico_, who was not of her choice-- to die, or do anything rather than go into a convent! I was not so communicative as my new acquaintance--at least as regarded my relationship with the family of Villa-Senor. To have spoken of Mercedes to another would have spoiled the romance of my passion. Not a word said I to Francisco of that hopeful affair. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From that day I became noted, as one of the earliest risers on the muster-roll of the American army. Not a morning did I outsleep the _reveille_; nor once missed matins in the Cathedral. Several times I again saw Mercedes. Each time there was an exchange of glances--each day becoming better understood between us. And still not a word had we exchanged! I feared to risk speech--the humiliation that would follow, if perchance I was mistaken. I was again on the eve of resorting to the epistolary mode of communication--and had actually written the letter, intending to deliver it--not second-hand through the _cochero_, but, in _propria persona_, to the lady herself. At each succeeding _oracion_ I watched for an opportunity; when the fair worshipper, passing out along with the crowd, might come within delivering distance. Twice had I been disappointed. On the third time I had the chance, without taking advantage of it! It was not needed. The wish I had expressed in my epistle was better worded by Mercedes herself. As she descended the steps on her way to the street, her lips came so close to my ear, that I was enabled to catch every syllable of that sweet whisper: "_En la Alameda. A seis horas_!" (At six o'clock, in the Alameda!) CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. APPOINTMENT AND DISAPPOINTMENT. In most Mexican cities of the first and second class, there is both a "Paseo" and an "Alameda;" the former a public drive--riding included; the latter more especially set apart for pedestrians, though there is also a carriage way around it. In the capital itself there are two Paseos--_Bucareli_ and _La Vega_. The latter extending along the famed _chinampas_, or "floating gardens," is only fashionable at a certain season of the year--during the week of Carnival. At all other times it is neglected for the more magnificent drive of Bucareli.