certain sensualism, which only adds to their
beauty--he, I say, who has seen this, will be disposed to look with a
more lenient eye upon their so-called indolence, and will scarce believe
it a crime.

The two daughters of Don Mariano de Silva offered at this moment, though
in degrees somewhat different, examples of this peculiar characteristic
of their countrywomen. One of them, with her limbs crossed in the
oriental fashion, was seated upon a Chinese mat. Her long black hair,
that had been plaited in several tresses, and recently combed out, still
preserved the wavy outlines of the plaits, as it fell profusely over her
shoulders.

Perhaps there are no women in the world who take more pride in their
hair than do the Creoles of Spanish-America. It is never desecrated by
the touch of the scissors; and several hours of every day are bestowed
upon the dressing of it. For all this, the young girl in question, as
she sat with her head pensively inclined, seemed to give but little
thought to those luxuriant tresses that, undulating over her white
shoulders, lay in clusters upon the mat. She appeared rather to deliver
them up mechanically to the hands of her attendant, who was occupied in
arranging them.

The face encircled by these exuberant masses of glossy hair, possessed
all the characteristics of the finest Creole beauty. Her features, at
once proud and calm, denoted an ardent and enthusiastic spirit
habitually hidden under an expression of indolent serenity. The
elegance of the Spanish race was also manifest in her small white hands,
and in those little feet possessed by Mexican and South American women
of whatever class. Blue satin slippers covered those of the young girl,
otherwise nude: for stockings are not a rigorous necessity of Creole
costume.

The young lady thus described was Dona Gertrudis, the elder of the two
daughters of Don Mariano.

The younger, Marianita, was scarce less beautiful, but her beauty was of
a different style. Quick-witted, and prone to laughter, her sparkling
glances formed a contrast to the calm yet brilliant gaze of her sister;
while varying expressions passed as rapidly over her countenance as the
fleeting shadows of an April sky. With Dona Gertrudis it was altogether
different; she resembled the volcanoes of her country, with their
perpetual fire hidden under a robe of snow.

Neither of the young girls had yet reached the age of womanhood.
Gertrudis was only seventeen, wh