"Your grandfather has resigned his seat in the Cabildo."
"But this is bad, he was the only Creole those Spaniards thought worthy to sit with them."
"No, it is good. The best thing for us is that there be a broad line drawn between Spaniards and the sons of the soil. The broader this line is the easier will it be for us to tell friends from enemies when the day comes."
"And he resigned of his own will?"
"Yes, but not till he saw that to remain was to expose himself to expulsion."
"To expulsion! after all that he did for the defence of the city! If it had not been for him Liniers would never have been able to rescue the city from Beresford. And after that, who has done as much as he for the equipment of the militia?"
"No one," answered Evaña smiling. "Why you are strong enough to be quite indignant."
"Indignant! I should think I am."
"They only tolerated him so long as he was useful to them," replied Evaña. "I think he has done very well to resign."