210 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



exquisite figure, and small, beautifully-shaped hands 

 and feet, after the fashion of matelotes in general, who 

 are remarkable for those essentials to beauty of form. 

 The costume of this fascinating demoiselle was, as well 

 as I can describe it, composed of a brown jacket 

 (showing her graceful figure to the greatest advantage), 

 a corsage, gray shawl artistically arranged, a red petti- 

 coat with a blue tablier, gray worsted stockings, and 

 patins, or wooden shoes. The walls were decorated 

 with pictures ; on the mantelshelf were the figure of 

 the Virgin and a cross; on the chest of drawers 

 a group of artificial flowers ; and in one corner 

 of the room the state-bed, with its blue curtains lined 

 with lace, and a snow-white covering, not by any means 

 for use, being little more than three feet in length, but 

 an essential article of furniture in all houses of this 

 class. With the greatest courtesy and kindness, not 

 only the requisite articles of costume were offered, but 

 the massive golden earrings and chains were most 

 readily lent articles of jewellery which always form 

 conspicuous ornaments on the persons of les belles 

 matelotes. 



