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NARRATIVE OF A 



entering the yard before the house, we found some of the 

 dependents of the estate breaking in a colt, and inquired 

 of them for the master of the house. They told us in a 

 careless manner that neither he nor the steward were at 

 home, and seemed altogether little disposed to show us 

 any attention. I had turned my mule, and was on the 

 point of retiring, when perceiving a woman at the door 

 of the hall, looking at us attentively, I rode up to her, and 

 asked whether she would not permit some chocolate to 

 be prepared for our use in the kitchen of the house. The 

 answer could not be more civil," Como no ? pasen ade- 

 lante" (why not ? walk in,) said she ; and on our dis- 

 mounting, showed us into the best room, and desired us 

 to be seated. This woman proved to be the housekeeper. 

 On our chocolate being produced, she made us put it 

 back, saying that there was enough of that in the house, 

 and that she would order some to be made immediately. 

 A table was now covered with a perfectly white cloth ; 

 and a few moments after, two bowls of chocolate made 

 with milk were placed on it, smoking and foaming, and, 

 moreover, a delicious cream-cheese, just made, a plate with 

 some pieces of honeycomb, some tortillas and cakes. 



In a spirit of generosity, inspired by the sight of these 

 delicacies, we abandoned to the arrieros the remains of 

 Don Jose's basket, chocolate and all. And for my part, I 

 resolved, after this, in cases of trouble, to appeal always to 

 a woman rather than to any of my own sex. 



After partaking of this excellent and unexpected break- 

 fast, the necessity of making some return for the liberality 

 of the housekeeper naturally suggested itself. But how to 

 accomplish this, we were unable to determine. The offer 

 of a pecuniary compensation would perhaps be considered 

 an offence ; and neither Mr. M. or I were in possession of 

 any article that might prove an acceptable present to a 

 female. It was, therefore, decided to offer nothing but our 

 thanks ; and these I undertook to express in the best and 

 most flattering manner that I was able. This decision, I 



