Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/270

242 on their right hand. The countenance of the younger shewed a faint reflection of the sunlight near them, but the face of the other lowered like the lurid pile of clouds gathered in the distance; and as they plodded on in company, the youth gazed, half in fear and half in curiosity, upon the sullen contortions of his companion's countenance.

"You are very dull and silent, all at once, Sanchez," at length he exclaimed. "For my part, our near approach to the city fills me with delight. It can't be far off now, and already I can fancy its fine towers, and splendid churches—ay, even the squares and corners where you and I shall stand to ask alms. Oh! what a glorious life! What a prospect is before us!"

"Yes! and the gaming-tables, and the pulque-stores, and the aguardiente, and the comrades we shall have!" replied his companion, quickly. "'T will be different, indeed, from the miserable life we have led in the old village. But I wish we were there, for I can scarcely command patience until our arrival."

"Think of the charitable old monks and ladies, and the rich citizens!" resumed the youth, with enthusiasm.