'Time passed on, until the promptings of an empty stomach began to
remind me that my dinner-hour was at hand, if not already passed; but I
still sat there, ruminating. At last, however, I arose, and slowly
walked up the magnificent _Calle des Plateros_, which leads directly
into the Cathedral Square. Whilst thus sauntering along, my gaze fell on
a young and lovely female, whose eyes were intently fixed on me, and
who, I fancied, to my extreme surprise, was preparing to address me.
Fearing, however, that I might be laboring under a delusion, and
dreading to involve myself in a ridiculous dilemma, although I had
instinctively almost halted, I quickened my step, when, to my great
delight, she stepped toward me, her lovely face suffused with blushes.
'Doubt was at an end. Raising my hat, and approaching her most
respectfully, I inquired if fortune had so favored me as to enable me to
be of any possible service to her, and if so, I was at her orders.
''Señor, I have simply to beg some information; can you direct me which
street will lead me to the Cathedral Square?'
''I am myself going thither, Señora, and if you will permit me to walk
beside you, I shall be most happy to show you the way.'
'For a few moments, she hesitated, and I seized the opportunity to
examine her more attentively. Hair as black as the raven's wing, large
blue eyes, a face perfectly oval, a mouth of the smallest and the most
expressive mold, lips the reddest and most faultless it is possible to
imagine, composed the details of the lovely whole, which at the first
glimpse had dazzled and attracted me. Probably my respectful admiration
was legible on my countenance, for after a few seconds, the youthful
beauty accepted my proffered guidance.
''Would you deem me too impertinent, were I to ask you one question,
Señora?' said I, after we had proceeded a few steps.
''Of course that will in a great measure depend on the question you are
about to ask,' she replied, giving at the same time a sweet smile.
''Are you a native of Mexico, Señora?'
''No, Señor,' answered she, after a momentary pause, 'I am not a
Mexican; but may I, in return, inquire what induced you to doubt it?'
''Madame, if you will excuse my candor, my doubts were excited by your
Spanish.'
''O Señor! I am aware that I speak it very poorly.'
''If I am not greatly mistaken, you are a native of _la belle_ France.'
'The beautiful stranger turned pale. 'What possible interest, Señor, can
it be to you as to who or what I am?' This she asked with an earnest
look, so piercing and fixed as to astonish me in any woman.
''No interest, madame, but it would be a pleasure; for my mother's
ancestors were French, and I am, therefore, ever happy to have an
opportunity to be of any service to one whom I am permitted to look upon
as in some degree a country-woman.'
''I am not from France, Señor, although my ancestry, like yours, is
French. I am a native of New-Orleans.'
''Better still, madame,' Said I, 'for then I am indeed your
fellow-countryman; for I was born in the Sunny South, not far distant
from Mobile--but, madame, I fear you feel ill?'
''Oh! no--ill--it is nothing--the heat--and I am fatigued, sir; pray,
are we far from the Cathedral Square?'
''Three minutes more will bring us to it, madame; you can already see
the steps of the cathedral.'
''Then, sir, I have only to thank you for your kindness,' she replied,
bowing her head most gracefully.
'There was no mistaking her thanks for any thing but a desire to dismiss
me, so I once more bowed to her, and she, to dispel every possibility of
doubt, quickened her pace, so as to be rid of me as soon as possible.
'Without altering my gait, I pursued the even tenor of my way, when,
what was my surprise to see her stop before the door of my domicile.
'As she was in the act of ascending the steps, she turned round, and as
I was not many yards behind her, it happened that I was the first person
who met her eye. I noticed she seemed for a few moments to hesitate, and
then apparently obeying some sudden impulse, she walked toward me.
''Sir,' said she, with the same earnest, piercing glance, which had
before struck me; 'Sir, this conduct is neither polite nor honorable,
and if you really are an American, you must know that to play the spy on
a lone female is not manly.'
''Good heavens! madame,' said I, as coolly as possible, 'perhaps you
will allow me to explain, that my conduct is simply that of a man who is
returning home to dine.'
''Home! why, is this your residence?'
''Exactly so, madame.'
'This explanation evidently annoyed her, but she added coldly:
''Excuse, then, sir, the error into which my hastiness has betrayed me.
I regret my ill-judged impetuosity. May I inquire, sir, if you are
acquainted with any of the persons dwelling in this house?'
''With the exception of Donna Lopez, the landlady, I do not know a
single soul.'
''Would you inform her, sir, that I wish to speak with her?'
''With much pleasure.'
'Opening the door, I immediately proceeded to summon Donna Teresa.
''Señora,' said I, 'here is a lady who is anxious to see you.'
'My beauteous countrywoman gave a most expressive look, which very
clearly signified that my instant departure would be satisfactory to her
feelings, but my curiosity was so far kindled that I pretended not to
understand, but remained standing near the door. My want of tact seemed
once more to vex her, but after a moment's reflection, she addressed the
worthy Teresa.
''Señora,' said she, in a low voice, but still not so low but I could
overhear, 'The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.'
''If you will follow me, Señora, I will show you to Mr. Albert Pride's
rooms,' said mine hostess, as she led the way up-stairs.