He gathered them up and replaced them in her hand.

"Thank you; I had quite forgotten them."

"Do you not think it would be best for you and Florence to return to
your friends in Louisiana? This is an unpleasant home for you."

"It was my uncle's wish that we should remain here, and I know Florry
would not consent to leave, unless some danger threatened. We have
learned to love San Antonio more dearly than any other place, except
our old home;" replied Mary, earnestly.

"By the bye, I had almost forgotten to mention that I have had a
letter from an old friend, who inquired very particularly after
you--Dudley Stewart; you knew him, I think, in New Orleans. His letter
is dated six months ago; but I am happy to receive it at all during
these unsettled times."

"We heard of his marriage," said Mary, in a low tone, as the image of
Florence rose before her.

"His marriage! Oh, no! you must be mistaken. He would most certainly
have mentioned it, for we are old and intimate friends."

"It was reported that he had married his cousin."

"Ah! is that all? I am not much surprised that you should have heard
that, for before I left home it was quite current. His widowed mother
was very anxious to make the match; but Stewart assured me he would
never comply with her wishes, as he had fully resolved never to wed a