Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/115

Rh talking in the most unrestrained manner, and who actually lifted her mantilla in jest, and allowed it to flutter in the breeze. The benevolent beholders did not take the trouble to notice that the young cavalier with whom she was on such familiar terms, was her own brother,—that was quite beside the question. The young lady was accordingly set down at once to be an abandoned profligate!

This was a sweeter morsel than all the rest; and the neighbours really entertained hopes now, of making something of the family!

Young Mig, or Miguel, and his elder brother were the victims next to be sacrificed; for they had the audacity to go and meet their father, more than once, as he returned from his evening walk, and to enter their home in his ungodly company. These proceedings, of course, made them sharers in the desperate profession of their parent. Yes! they were young thieves both: it was with them, like father like sons; and there could be little doubt of their being pretty nearly as bad as he!

A well-wishing friend one day hovered round the entrance of the court-yard, to observe the two youngest children at their play. The