The red _capelines_ of the market-women, and their dark mantles (_capuchins_), lined with the same colour, give their figures a strange, nun-like appearance, which always strikes a stranger, and at first pleases.

As these shrouded forms flit about amongst the trees, they look picturesque and mysterious; but the eye soon wearies of this costume, which is totally devoid of grace.

The cloak, being so cut as to prevent its falling in folds, hangs stiffly round the wearer's limbs; concealing the shape, and producing a mean effect.

It is a sort of penitential habit; and the peaked hood looks like the dress of the San Benitos, or a lively image of the appropriate costume of a witch who might be an inquisitor's victim.

We could not help contrasting it with the beautiful and graceful cloak worn by the charming Granvillaises,--those Spanish-looking beauties whose appearance so delighted us in that distant part of Normandy.