Page:The plumed serpent - 1926.djvu/40

 “And the stone itself! It was the delicate stone that fascinated me," said Owen. "The wonderful quality of it!"

"Ah wonderful, wonderful! Tell me now, dear Mrs Leslie, what you have been doing since I saw you?"

“We went to a bull-fight, and hated it," said Kate. At least I did. We sat in the Sun, near the ring, and it was all horrible.”

"Horrible, I am sure. I never went to a bull-fight in Mexico. Only in Spain, where there is wonderful colour. Did you ever try a bull-fight, Major?"

“Yes, I have been several times."

“You have! Then you know all about it. And how are you liking Mexico, Mrs Leslie?"

“Not much," said Kate. "It strikes me as evil.”

“It does! It does!" said Mrs Norris. “Ah, if you had known it before! Mexico before the revolution! It was different then. What is the latest news, Major?"

"About the same,” said the Major. "There is a rumour that the new President will be turned down by the army, a few days before he comes into office. But you never know.”

"I think it would be a great shame not to let him have a try,” put in Owen hotly. "He seems a sincere man, and just because he is honestly a Labour man, they want to shut him out.”

“Ah, my dear Mr Rhys, they talk so nobly before-hand. If only their deeds followed their words, Mexico would be heaven on earth.”

“Instead of hell on earth," snapped the Judge.

A young man and his wife, also Americans, were introduced as Mr and Mrs Henry. The young man was fresh and lively.

“We were talking about the new President,” said Mrs Norris.

"Well, why not!" said Mr Henry breezily. “I’m just back from Orizaba. And do you know what they’ve got pasted up on the walls?—"

“Why, did you ever hear of such a thing!" said Mrs Norris.

“ To the new Labour President! I think it’s rich," said Henry.