But if this quality of son made him the brother of Benito, the title was scarcely appreciated by him when Minha was concerned, for he soon became attached to the young girl by a bond more intimate than could exist between brother and sister.
In the year 1852--of which four months had already passed before the commencement of this history--Joam Garral attained the age of forty-eight years.

In that sultry climate, which wears men away so quickly, he had known how, by sobriety, self-denial, suitable living, and constant work, to remain untouched where others had prematurely succumbed.

His hair, which he wore short, and his beard, which was full, had already grown gray, and gave him the look of a Puritan.

The proverbial honesty of the Brazilian merchants and fazenders showed itself in his features, of which straightforwardness was the leading characteristic.

His calm temperament seemed to indicate an interior fire, kept well under control.