Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/177

Rh apart from their sinister aspect—but they appeared to bear down on one another; his chin projected over his throat unusually; the corners of his mouth were inclined downwards upon his chin; his nose kept downward sentry over that; while his eyebrows and the corners of his eyes were bent downwards, also, in a very remarkable manner. His speech was affable and conciliatory; but I could not delude myself into the belief that it was sincerely so.

Father Perez de Hermona was a wondrously inquisitive man. When our first salutations were over, he straightway proceeded to question me respecting my residence in the city; my object in visiting the country; my pursuits in general, and my religion in particular; of my political opinions; of my residence in America; and, finally, of my native England. I endeavoured to reply to his inquiries with due deference and politeness, and as distinctly as possible; concluding by a gentle inquiry as to his own opinion on the prospects and politics of Mexico, and on the state of education and civilization throughout the country. This, however, did not do at all! It was very well for his reverence to question