Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/93

Rh humorously inserting her fingers between my ribs, at short intervals, by way of variety. As I did not respond to these affectionate endearments, however, she laid her hand so heavily on my shoulder, as almost to upset me as well as my gravity, and bawled into my ear, "I have paid for our protection, love! Do not look so downcast, for we shall soon be with our friends at Perote! "Then she pinched my arms and knees and sides again, and hung about the neck of my pony; so that for some time I was unable to assure her of her mistake, and to convince her that I was not indeed her liege lord and master.

By-and-bye Señor and Señora Zarios began to perceive that the favours of their conversation were lavished upon indifferent and unworthy auditors; for a kind of horse-laugh was the only reward generally bestowed upon their attentions. Their dignity became aroused, and their patronizing and independent spirit speedily found other ways of venting itself. They were now excessively solemn and unyielding; and jogged on together in offended silence, a little in advance of the irreverent company.

Amused by their indignant bearing, we