no means a bad
half-length representation of a fine lady.

She had apparently experienced some of the sorrows and disappointments
incident to humanity; and on such occasions had frequently, no doubt,
formed the resolution of increasing, although in a trifling degree, some
religious sisterhood, of which establishments she had so plentiful a
choice in her native city; but, whether on a nearer approach, she had
considered the veil an unbecoming costume, or her resolution had failed
her on the brink of the living tomb, the project had not as yet taken
effect. The turn, however, thus given to her reflections and inquiries,
had perfected in her a branch of knowledge highly useful to strangers
who might be thrown in her way. She was a limping encyclopedia of the
convents and monasteries of Toledo; and could announce each morning,
with the precision of an almanack, the name of the saint of the day,--in
what church or convent he was especially feted, and at what hour the
ceremony would take place. She was likewise _au fait_ of the foundation,
ancient and modern annals, and peculiarities of every sort which belong
to every religious establishment of the many scores existing in Toledo.
Her administration of the household affairs was admirably organized
owing to her energetic activity. Her love of cleanliness would
frequently induce her to take the sweeping department into her own
hands--a circumstance which was sure to render the operation doubly
successful, for the brooms, which in Toledo are not provided with
handles or broomsticks, were exactly of a length suited to her stature.
Before we take leave of her, here is one more of her original replies.

I complained to her at breakfast that the eggs were not as fresh as
usual; and, suiting the action to the word, approached the egg-cup
containing the opened one so near to her, that the organs of sight and
smell could not but testify to the justice of my _reclamation_.
Shrugging her shoulders, until they almost reached the level of the
table--and with much contempt depicted on her countenance: "How could it
be otherwise?" she exclaimed, "the egg was taken a quarter of an hour
ago from under the hen; but you have broken it at the wrong end."

The monastery called San Juan de los Reyes, was founded by Ferdinand and
Isabella, on their return from the conquest of Granada, and given to a
fraternity of Franciscan friars. An inscription to this effect in gothic
characters runs round the