I have some very old _Pedro Ximenes_." "Either, my dear Don Cosme--either." "Bring both, Ramon; and bring a couple of bottles of the Madeira--_sello verde_," (green seal).
"As I am a Christian, the old gentleman's a conjuror!" muttered the major, now in the best humour possible.
"I wish he would conjure up something else than his infernal wine bottles," thought I, becoming impatient at the non-appearance of the ladies.
"_Cafe_, Senores ?" A servant entered.
Coffee was handed round in cups of Sevres china.
"You smoke, gentlemen?
Would you prefer a Havanna?
Here are some sent me from Cuba by a friend.

I believe they are good; or, if you would amuse yourself with a cigaritto, here are Campeacheanos.

These are the country cigars--_puros_, as we call them.

I would not recommend them." "A Havanna for me," said the major, helping himself at the same time to a fine-looking "regalia." I had fallen into a somewhat painful reverie.
I began to fear that, with all his hospitality, the Mexican would allow us to depart without an introduction to his family; and I had conceived a strong desire to speak with the two lovely beings whom I had already seen, but more particularly with the brunette, whose looks and actions had deeply impressed me.

So strange is the mystery of love! My heart had already made its choice.
I was suddenly aroused by the voice of Don Cosme, who had risen, and was inviting myself and comrades to join the ladies in the drawing-room.
I started up so suddenly as almost to overturn one of the tables.
"Why, Captain, what's the matter!" said Clayley.