Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/117

Rh Then I lifted up my eyes, and I saw her! It was on a Friday, and I shall never forget it. I saw that very Carmen you know, and in whose room I met you a few months ago.

"She was wearing a very short red skirt, below which her white silk stockings—with more than one hole in them—and her dainty red morocco shoes, fastened with flame-coloured ribbons, were clearly seen. She had thrown her mantilla back, to show her shoulders, and a great bunch of acacia that was thrust into her chemise. She had another acacia blossom in the corner of her mouth, and she walked along, swaying her hips, like a filly from the Cordova stud farm. In my country anybody who had seen a woman dressed in that fashion would have crossed himself. At Seville every man paid her some bold compliment on her appearance. She had an answer for each and all, with her hand on her hip, as bold as the thorough gipsy she was. At first I didn't like her looks, and I fell to my work again. But she, like all women and cats, who won't come if you call them, and do come if you don't call them, stopped short in front of me, and spoke to me.

"'Compadre,' said she, in the Andalusian fashion, 'won't you give me your chain for the keys of my strong box?'