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MEXICO. 



is a great pity,'' said he, " and I hope it may not 

 produce a popular commotion ; although I think 

 the chances are, the people will take it rather as 

 a compliment than otherwise : at all events, let it 

 stand now ; and, in the meantime, come down to 

 mass along with me.'' Accordingly, as the third 

 bell was just then ringing, we set off for the 

 church. On reaching the market-place, we ob- 

 served a great crowd gaping at my cross ; but we 

 walked on boldly, and I must own I was not a 

 little relieved by the good humour they appeared 

 to be in, and by the unusually civil manner in 

 which they made way for us to pass. They were 

 delighted in fact with the circumstance; and I 

 heard no more of the matter, except that the in- 

 habitants were much pleased with the pious regu- 

 larity with which we lighted up the cross every 

 night, the moment it was dark. Instead of of- 

 fending them, indeed, it had the effect of inspir- 

 ing them with hopes of our conversion ; for the 

 question, as to whether or not we were Catholics, 

 was more frequently put than before. They were 

 never displeased with our replying in the nega- 

 tive ; and always considered our regular attend- 

 ance at mass, and other attentions to their cus- 



