’This adventure took firm hold of my mind, and for nearly two hours I remained seated in the Alameda, revolving it over and over.  Personally, I knew but little of this General Valiente; but by hearsay, much.  His name was connected with various strange stories, in which jealous husbands, duels, poniards, and poison figured very largely, and it had been hinted that had Eugene Sue been acquainted with Valiente, there might have been forthcoming one of the most intensely interesting histories relative to the mysteries of Mexico.

III.

’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.

’’Senor, 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, Senora, 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, Senora?’ 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, Senora?’

‘’No, Senor,’ 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 Senor!  I am aware that I speak it very poorly.’