Page:Brazilian short stories.djvu/54

 her heart leap for joy. So were the stewed chicken, the pork and beans, the pasties and even the drinking water.

"In town, Mr. Moreira, water like this, pure as crystal, absolutely drinkable is worth the best of wines. Happy are those who can drink it!"

The family looked at each other: they never imagined that they owned such a precious thing, and each one involuntarily took a little swallow of it as though acquainting themselves with it at that moment for the first time. Zico even smacked his lips.

Dona Izaura could not contain herself with delight. The compliments to her cooking captivated the good lady; she would have considered herself well paid for the hard work with half that praise.

"Learn, Zico," she whispered to her son, "that's what a gentleman should be!"

After coffee, hailed with the word "delicious!" Moreira invited the young man for a turn on horseback.

"Impossible, my friend, I do not ride after meals; it gives me cephalalgy."

Zilda blushed. Zilda always blushed when she did not understand a word.

"We will go this afternoon, I am in no hurry. Now I prefer a short walk through the orchard to aid the digestion."

While the two men went slowly in that direction, Zilda and Zico flew for the dictionary.

"It isn't among the S's," said the youth.

"Look for it with a C," suggested the girl. After some trouble they found the word.