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150 her own little mirror at the bottom of the basket; and, it must be owned, Beatrice did take a rather satisfactory glance. Even in the very worst of situations, no woman is quite insensible to her personal attractions, or would willingly look worse than she can help. Small attentions, too, are essentially womanly. Beatrice hurried her own breakfast, that there might be no delay on her part, but prepared some of the chocolate for Alvarez, who was punctual to his time. "Why, I could almost take you for Minora," said the old man, on his entrance. "What! breakfast—and the chocolate made? Well, you know the old proverb, 'Meat and drink never hindered journey.' Very good it is too—though I had breakfasted—for, with your leave, Senhora, we did not give you credit for being half so ready." A soft gray tinge, half mist, half light, pale as it was, dazzled Beatrice's eyes when she emerged from the cave. Two mules were in waiting: she sprang lightly upon the one intended for her. At first cautiously—from the broken path—and afterwards at a brisk pace, they commenced their journey. Beatrice's own embarrassment was its only difficulty. Accustomed to live in such unbroken solitude, the sight of the many