e of Spain."

"Ten times brighter, and ten times bluer. The skies of the Old-World
are to those of the New as lead to _lapis lazuli_. In that respect,
neither Spain nor Italy can compare with California. Its seas, too, are
superior. Even the boasted Bay of Naples would be but a poor pond
alongside that noble sheet of water, far-stretching before our eyes.
Look at it!"

"Looking at it through _your_ eyes, I might think so; not through mine.
For my part, I see nothing in it to be so much admired."

"But something _on_ it; for instance, that grand ship out yonder. Come,
now; confess the truth! Isn't that something to admire?"

"But she don't belong to your bay," replies the Andalusian.

"No matter. There is on it now, and in it--the ship I mean--somebody
who, if I mistake not, has very much interested somebody else--a certain
Andalusian lady, by name Inez Alvarez."

"Your words will answer as well for a Biscayan lady--by name Carmen
Montijo."

"Suppose I admit it, and say yes? Well; I will. There _is_ one in
yonder ship who has very much interested me. Nay, more; I admire--ay,
love him! You see I'm not ashamed to confess what the world affects to
consider a weakness. We of the Celtic race don't keep secrets as you of
the further South; half Moors, as you are. For all, _sobrina_, you
haven't kept yours; though you tried heard enough. I saw from the first
you were smitten with that young English officer, who has hair the exact
colour of a carrot!"

"It isn't anything of the kind. His hair is of a much more becoming hue
than that of the other English officer, who's taken your fancy, _tia_."

"Nothing to compare with it. Look at this. There's a curl; one of the
handsomest that ever grew on the head of man! Dark and glossy, as the
coat of the fur-seal. Beautiful! I could kiss it over, and over
again!"

While speaking, she does so.

"And look at this!" cries the other, also drawing forth a lock of hair,
and displaying it in the sunlight, "See how it shines--like tissue of
gold! Far prettier than that you've got, and better worth kissing."

Saying which she imitates the example set her, by raising the tress to
her lips, and repeatedly kissing it.

"So, so, my innocent!" exclaims Carmen, "you've been stealing too?"

"As yourself!"

"And, I suppose, you've given him a love-lock in exchange?"

"Have you?"

"I have. To you, Inez, I make no secret of it. Come, now! Be equally
candid with m