NOTICES OF BRAZIL. 



23 



CHAPTER II. 



Walk in the streets of Rio — Imperial Chapels— Rua Direita — Slaves — Rua 

 d'Ouvidor — Marimba — Abdication of Dom Pedro — Regency of Pedro II. 



Many years ago, I met in Brazil, an Austrian gentleman, 

 who, having spent several years in England, spoke English 

 remarkably well. Certain circumstances of a private nature, 

 in which the heart was deeply interested, which he narrated, 

 ripened an acquaintanceship of a few weeks into intimacy and 

 friendship. His name was Brunner. When I last saw him, 

 in 1826, he held a colonel's commission in the imperial army 

 of Brazil. 



The first inquiries that suggested themselves on landing at 

 the palace stairs in September 1831, were whether Brunner 

 was still in the city, and whether he was still lamenting his 

 disappointment; — his ^'ladye love" had played him false! I 

 made my way among the boatmen and venders of fruit always 

 standing on the slip, and looked at the sentinel and his box. 

 Whether any thing had been changed, or whether he had been 

 relieved since my last visit, I doubt. The same high cloth cap 

 covered his woolly head, and the same musket was trailed over 

 his shoulder — the same soiled belt and cartouche box hung at 

 his side, and as little energy was displayed in his whole ap- 

 pearance as can possibly be imagined. A paper cigar burned 

 quietly between his lips, which he seemed too lazy to puff to 

 prevent it from going out. While observing this sauntering 

 soldier, I was suddenly seized by the hand and welcomed to 

 Brazil. It was Brunner. He had recognised me across the 

 palace square, and almost breathless came running to greet me. 



"When did you arrive — how long do you stay — how have 

 you been ?" 



Unexpected meetings with friends are always agreeable, 

 even at home, and when one sees a man suddenly stand before 

 him in a strange land, whom he is conjecturing may be dead^ 



