Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/92

70 Yes; they were going to pay a little social visit then to some particular friends of theirs, in Perote!"

The stammering grandeur of their manner, and their familiar questions to persons who had never set eyes upon them before, afforded no little diversion to the troop; yet it had no effect in moderating the garrulity and condescending patronage of Señor Zarios and his buxom dame.

They then introduced their hopeful son and heir to the notice of the company. "Was there such another child to be found anywhere? Was he not beautiful?—a fit subject to dedicate to the service of Our Lady herself? He was so sweet-tempered, and not at all tired of walking yet; when he was, he should ride beside his father. They were very fond of him, and so were their friends. They were, even then, on their way to pay a little social visit to some particular friends of theirs in Perote!"

What must the lady do the next moment—in her misty apprehension of things—but mistake me, mounted upon my little pony, for her husband! She stumbled up to me, and began to pinch my elbows and knees, in a playful