CHINESE CIGARETTE BLOSSOM. 



While I was visiting Pasadina, my friend took me to drive, 

 and we paid a visit to that most interesting of all missions, "San 

 Gabriel." 



The Spanish woman in charge was found. She came with 

 the huge key in her hand. She looked at us for a moment, then 

 opened the great door with her great key and walked in ; we fol- 

 lowed. As we stepped upon the stone floor, worn smooth with 

 the thousands of feet belonging to the thousands of souls now in 

 eternity, a feeling of awe came over me. The Spanish guide 

 motioned us to go up to the chancel. I would have obeyed her 

 had she commanded me to kneel, or take any other position, so 

 helpless and insignificant did I feel. We went up to the chan- 

 cel and the guide pointed to the altar; not a word did she speak. 

 I wished she would, but I had not the courage to address her in 

 this sacred ancient place. The carvings and brasses about the 

 altar were quaint and very old. My friend, who was a good 

 Christian woman, whispered, " Do you believe these carvings 

 represent the Apostles?" I could not answer her, neither could 

 I prevent a smile. Oh ! fatal smile ; the guide saw it, and with 

 her finger motioned us toward the door. We walked out like 



o 



two culprits, and if the little windows had not been up very near 

 the roof, I am sure I should have tried to escape through one. 



At the door we met a party coming in. Their guide was a 

 Spaniard and spoke English. He handed his party over to the 



