was
hardly appropriate for soliloquizing about angels. I turned in some
vexation and encountered the laughing glance of a well dressed young
man, apparently about twenty-five, who had probably been edified by my
unconscious enthusiasm.

"'You are mistaken, senor,' said he in English, and looking quizzical;
'those images in the niches are said to represent saints and not
angels, though I must own they are admirably calculated to deceive
strangers. As you said you wished to know their names, I will tell
them to you--that is San Pablo, and that is San Pedro, and that is--'

"'You are kind, sir,' said I, interrupting him angrily, 'but I've
heard of the twelve apostles before.'

"'I want to know, as your countrymen say,' retorted the stranger, with
a good-natured mocking laugh.

"I fired up on this. 'Senor,' said I, 'if my countrymen are not so
polished in their speech as the Castilians and their descendants, they
never insult strangers needlessly. I have been insulted once before
in your city within a few days, and allow me to add for your
consideration, that the rascal got well kicked--'

"'You are very kind to give me such fair warning,' replied the
stranger, bowing, 'but allow me to ask whether the name of this person
you punished is Alvarez?'

"'I have heard so, and if he is a connection of yours I am--'

"'Stay, senor, don't get into a passion; believe me, that I thank you
most heartily for the good service you performed on the occasion to
which we allude. I only wish that I can be of use to you in return.'

"'Well, then, senor,' I replied, much mollified, and intent upon
finding out my fair incognito, 'a lady just now passed through into
the church, and if you can only tell me who she is, I will promise to
flog you all the bullies in Cuba.'

"'Ah, that would be a long job, dear senor, but if you will accept my
arm into the church, and point out the angel who has attracted your
notice, I will tell you her name and the part of heaven in which she
resides. She was very beautiful I suppose?'

"'Oh! exquisitely beautiful.'

"'Come, then, I am dying to find out which of our Matanzas belles has
had the good fortune to fascinate you--this way--do you use the holy
water?'

"'In we went and found the organ piping like a northeast snow squall,
and the whole assembly on their knees. The stranger and myself
ensconced ourselves near a large pillar, and I stood by to keep a
bright look out for the lady.

"At last I