Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/134

114 for us as we passed out. "Have my chocolate ready when I return," said the Bishop. "Si padrecito!" said the old woman, dropping upon her knees, in which posture she remained for some minutes. As we passed along the street, the sight of the reverend man had the same effect; all fell on their knees as he passed, precisely as if the Host were carried by, or the shock of an earthquake were felt. Arrived at the door of the Cathedral, he gave us his hand, or rather his pastoral amethyst to kiss.

The organ sounded fine as it pealed through the old Cathedral, and the setting sun poured his rays in through the Gothic windows with a rich and glowing light. The church was crowded with people of the village, but especially with léperos, counting their beads, and suddenly in the midst of an "Ave Maria Purisima," flinging themselves and their rags in your path with a "Por el amor de la Santisima Virgen!" and if this does not serve their purpose, they appeal to your domestic sympathies. From men they entreat relief "By the life of the Señorita." From women, "By the life of the little child!" From children it is "By the life of your mother!" And a mixture of pity and superstitious feeling makes most people, women at least, draw out their purses.

Count Ca has promised to send me to-morrow a box of mosquitoes' eggs, of which tortillas are made, which are considered a great delicacy. Considering mosquitoes as small winged cannibals, I was rather shocked at the idea, but they pretend that