Leaves from a Madeira Garden 



disappeared, and has demanded an inquiry. 

 Wild scenes have taken place in the Cortes, 

 a duel or two has been fought without any- 

 one being a penny the worse, and, finally, the 

 ministry has resigned. 



The mother of Parliaments would hardly 

 recognize some of her children. In her com- 

 paratively serene atmosphere it is inconceivable 

 that the fall of a Government should be 

 brought about by the persistent banging of 

 desks by the Opposition. But other countries, 

 other manners. And so the rotatory process 

 is once more at work ; and behind all is 

 the republican party, probably gathering fresh 

 strength as the discredit of the monarchists 

 deepens. 



It is pleasant to turn from these jarring 

 sounds of civil discord and international rivalry, 

 *' the dreadful note of preparation," and to 

 contemplate with due sympathy what is one of 

 the common objects of the streets of Funchal, 

 perhaps especially at this season. Portuguese 

 women may seldom be beautiful according to 

 our standards, though often endowed with very 

 fine dark eyes, but they evidently possess a 

 " sweete attractive kinde of grace." For in the 



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