Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/151

Rh his cigarillo in the face of his customer; the lépero hurries away to the nearest gaming-place and both the priest and the host in procession are instantaneously forgotten by everybody.

Let us follow the holy and reverend father to his place of destination. The procession enters the court-yard of a gaudily-painted mansion, and the priest is received with veneration by the weeping lady of the house and her sobbing children. With an air of condescending kindness, he stoops to bestow his benediction upon them; and is then ushered into the chamber of the sick man. A few of the patient's particular friends are standing round his bed; and as the mourning wife closes the door, two of the youngest children—one a fair child with light eyes streaming with tears, and her little brother—have entered the room unnoticed; their healthy aspect and sweet looks forming a strong contrast with the pale and emaciated lineaments of their dying father.

"Let all present leave the apartment," exclaims the priest in an authoritative voice. "We would be alone; to receive the final confession, and, by the aid of the Blessed Virgin,