102 Naturalist at Large 



Pope Innocent?" "There's nothing innocent about that 

 face." 



At this point, thank God, the line began moving. I 

 marched on, unbelievably reheved. I vowed never to wear 

 that gown again, though I have from time to time sported 

 the blue muzetta with my ordinary American doctor's 

 gown. This does not have tight sleeves with a deep border 

 of white lace and a skirt effect that looks extraordinarily 

 as if one were wearing a bustle under a Mother Hubbard. 



I suppose if we wanted to indicate that a man had 

 become a real North Carolinian we should say that he had 

 tar on his heel. In the same way the Cubans speak of a per- 

 son as being aplatajtado, that is, "bananaed," to indicate 

 colloquially that he has become pretty completely ac- 

 climated. Well, my Cuban friends say that I am ^'im h ombre 

 Men aplatanado.^' Personally, I consider this a great compli- 

 ment. If I grow loquacious and prolix when it comes to 

 talking about Cuba I do not care a rap, for I love the 

 country with a deep, passionate affection. I have no hesi- 

 tation in saying so, and I do not care whether my friends 

 believe it or not. My Cuban friends do, and that is all that 

 counts. 



