OTHER ASPECTS OF THE MEXICAN 149 



altogether, is somewhat exasperating, a back- 

 ward thought bestowed on my graceless 

 American ' help ' speedily reconciles me to 

 Jesuscita's trifling deficiencies. At all events, 

 the pleasant * Si, senoraF even when attended 

 with inconspicuous results, is vastly more 

 soothing than the barbaric * All right !' given 

 grudgingly, or even not at all. 



Jesuscita, in her scarlet bodice and pink 

 skirt, her dusky hair tied with yellow ribbons 

 and hanging in a long tress, her black eyes 

 mildly shining, as she drives away with her 

 brother for her Sunday's outing, is a not un- 

 pleasing picture. 



But even as I write my hand trembles. 

 Who can tell what an hour may bring forth ? 

 And, lo ! I turn the page, and Jesuscita's 

 modest sun has set, and, weeping, she has 

 returned whence she came * Mucho malo, 

 senora, mucho malo !' Poor little sickly 

 Jesuscita! 



Though as a race distinctly unsightly, 

 occasionally by good hap one lights on a 

 comely Mexican girl. Her cheeks are red, 

 her thick skin is white, her raven tresses 

 fulfil all expectations, her face is plump, her 



