CHAPTER TWO.
OUR STUDIES INTERRUPTED--DON JUAN DE LEON--A RIDE TO VISIT DON RICARDO,ACCOMPANIED BY HUGH AND OUR TUTOR, MR. LAFFAN--DESCRIPTION OF POPAYAN--TYRANNICAL TREATMENT OF NEW GRANADA AND VENEZUELA BY THE SPANIARDS--PREVIOUS STRUGGLES OF THE COLONISTS FOR LIBERTY--FEARFUL CRUELTIESINFLICTED ON THEM BY THE SPANIARDS--MY UNCLE, DR. CAZALLA, A KNOWNLIBERAL--HIS DANGEROUS POSITION--HOW MR. LAFFAN BECAME OUR TUTOR--JUANEXPATIATES ON THE PERFECTIONS OF DONA DOLORES, AND INVITES ME TOACCOMPANY HIM ON A VISIT--PASS A PARTY OF INDIANS--DON RICARDO'SHACIENDA--FRUITS OF NEW GRANADA--INVITED TO STAY--JUAN, OUR TUTOR, AND ISERENADE DONA DOLORES--THE INTERVIEW--DONA DOLORES ENDEAVOURS TO AROUSEJUAN'S PATRIOTISM--MUSIC VICTORIOUS--A HEROINE--JUAN DEVOTES HIMSELF TOTHE CAUSE OF FREEDOM.
"Holloa! mio amigo Senor Duncan, come down! I want to have a talk withyou. You can spare a few minutes from your books."
Leaving the table at which I was seated with my brother Hugh and ourtutor, Mr Michael Laffan, I went to the window, which looked out intothe court of our house at Popayan, when I saw that the person who hadhailed me was our friend Don Juan de Leon. He had just ridden in,mounted on a fine black horse, his special pride; and as he gracefullysat his steed, he looked a remarkably handsome young fellow. Hiscostume, too,--a broad-brimmed sombrero, a feather secured to it by ajewelled buckle, a richly-trimmed poncho or capote over his shoulders,broad leggings, ornamented with braiding and tags, and large silverspurs,--became him well.
"Come down, Duncan, I want to speak to you," he said, beckoning to me.
Having obtained permission, I descended to the courtyard with a hop,skip, and jump. After shaking hands, I begged him to come in, as I wassure the ladies of my family would be glad to see him.
"I have no time now," he answered; "I hope to pay my respectsto-morrow."
"What have you to say to me?" I asked.
"I want you to come with me to visit your friends Don Ricardo and DonaMaria at Egido. You can easily obtain a holiday from Senor Miguel. Asthe ride is a long one, I shall be glad of your companionship. You willhave no objection either, I am sure, to enjoying the bright smiles ofyour sweet little cousin, Dona Rosa, their daughter."
Don Ricardo, I should explain, was our old friend Richard Duffield; andSenor Miguel was Mr Michael Laffan, our tutor.
"She is not my cousin, though we are both half British, and our fathersare old friends. But confess, Juan, that you have another object ingoing to Egido. You will have no objection either to pay a visit onyour way to Dona Dolores Monteverde, and to bask in her sweet smiles," Irejoined, repeating his words. "However, as Mr Laffan would say,`Amicus certus in re incerta, cerniter' (A true friend is discovered ina doubtful matter), I shall be very glad to accompany you, and be of anyservice in my power, if I can obtain leave."
"Thank you, Duncan. Go then and obtain leave, although I thought youwere old enough to act as you might think fit in a matter of this sort,"said Juan. "I have a little commission to perform at the other end ofthe town, and will shortly return for you. You are sure to obtainleave, so I can depend upon having your company."
Lighting a cigarillo, he rode off down the street. My father was out,so I went to my mother in order to have her sanction, in case Mr Laffanshould prove obdurate. Juan was a favourite of hers, as well as ofeverybody who knew him, so when I told her of his request she made noobjection.
"Then I'll tell Mr Laffan that I have your leave," I observed.
"And that you have mine too," exclaimed my young sister Flora; "for Iwant you to carry a packet to Rosa, and a note with my love, and tellher she must come here soon and stay with us."
While I ordered my horse, and put on my riding costume, Flora wrote andsealed her note, which I promised faithfully to deliver with the packetshe entrusted to my care. On going to Mr Laffan to beg that he wouldexcuse me from my studies for a few hours, he exclaimed, looking out ofthe window--
"It's a mighty fine day. Hugh and I will be ready to take a ride withyou. I can instruct him in orthography, geography, botany, and thenatural sciences, as we go along."
Hugh was delighted to go, and undertook duly to receive all theinstruction our worthy tutor could impart to him on the way. Though mybrother was still very young, he was a capital horseman, and would makenothing of riding a dozen leagues or more in a day. I was in doubt,however, whether Juan would be particularly pleased to have Mr Laffan'scompany; but such an idea never occurred to our good tutor, who was notinconveniently troubled with bashfulness. I knew, however, that hewould be welcomed at the house of Don Ricardo, who esteemed him for hismany sterling qualities.
Hugh and Mr Laffan were ready almost as soon as I was, and when Juanreturned we were all three mounted in the courtyard, prepared toaccompany him.
"I did not know that you were coming, Mr Laffan," he said, lifting hishat and bowing politely; "but it will afford me great pleasure to haveyour society."
Our tutor replied in wonderfully curious Spanish, into which he couldnot help occasionally introducing a few Irishisms, for the purpose, ashe used to say, of adding pepper to his remarks.
Without delay we set off, Juan and I riding together, Mr Laffan andHugh following; and I saw by our tutor's gestures, after we got clear ofthe town, that, faithful to his promise, he was imparting information inhis usual impressive manner, which Hugh was endeavouring with all hismight to take in.
While we ride along, I will describe the region and the city in which Iwas born, and some of the principal events which had occurred since myfather settled there, up to the present time.
In the western half of New Granada are three ranges of lofty mountains,into which the main branch of the Andes is divided, extending from Quitonorthwards to the Caribbean Sea; a fourth branch, running close to theshores of the Pacific, extends towards the Isthmus of Panama. Thesefour ranges form three valleys, elevated, however, a considerabledistance above the sea. Throughout that to the east runs themagnificent river Magdalena; the next is watered by the Cauca, of equallength; and the third valley by the Atrato, of less extent, which runsinto the Gulf of Darien. At the head of the centre valley--that of theCauca--is situated Popayan, the capital of the province of the samename, in the midst of a beautiful plain, almost surrounded by twostreams, which finish their course about a league below it, when theyfall into the fine river Cauca. This river then runs to the northwardthrough the rich and charming valley of the Cauca. Nothing can be moredelicious than the climate of this region, the inhabitants being neveroppressed by excessive heat, or annoyed by extreme cold. Rain, however,falls during the last three months of the year, and also in April andMay; but even at that period the mornings are fine, as the showersseldom come on until two or three o'clock in the afternoon, and continueduring the night. The plain, or I may call it the wide valley ofPopayan, lies between two ranges of lofty mountains. On one side arethe Cordilleras, with Purace, eternally covered with snow, rising abovethem; and on the west side is another range, which separates the valleyfrom the province of Buenaventura. In the midst, surrounded by trees,appears Popayan, with its numerous churches and large convents,distinguished at a considerable distance by their whiteness. It is oneof the most ancient towns in that part of the continent. Its founders,companions of Sebastian Belalcazar, made it the capital of the province,establishing a bishopric, a college, and numerous religiousinstitutions. Although its buildings might not be greatly admired inEurope, the inhabitants are proud of them; and justly so, when thedifficulties under which they were erected are remembered. Everyarticle used in their construction had to be brought either on the backsof men or mules; and there were few native craftsmen capable ofperforming the necessary work. Many families proud of their ancientdescent were settled in the town, and its society was therefore superiorto that of any of the surrounding places. In Popayan is a large square,of which I shall have to speak by-and-by, with the cathedral on oneside, and the residences of some of the principal people in the townoccupying the other sides. There were, besides, several churches, fourc
onvents, and two nunneries. To the north of the city, towards theCauca, is the handsomest bridge in that part of the country. From thetown, in the early part of the morning, when the sun shines on them, canbe seen the Cordilleras of Chicquio, and at a less distance rises theParamos of Puxana and Soltana, presenting a magnificent appearance.
This description may give a faint idea of the beautiful scenery amidwhich I was born. Although I was accustomed to it from my earliestdays, I nevertheless admired it more and more as I grew older. Thoughmy father and Richard Duffield had not intended to settle in Americawhen they married, their wives, who were attached to the country,exerted all their influence to induce them to stay, so they finally madeup their minds to abandon their native land. The doctor, having been solong a prisoner, was supposed to be dead, and he had no difficulty inretiring from the service; while the midshipman very easily dischargedhimself.
At the time I speak of, Liberal principles had been making rapidprogress in the country among persons of all ranks. For years thecolony had groaned under the tyranny and narrow-minded policy of themother country. As she produced wine, oil, and silk, the inhabitants ofNew Granada and Venezuela were not allowed to cultivate either the vine,the olive, or the mulberry, under the idea that they would thus becompelled to consume the produce of Spain. Attempts were made from timeto time to establish manufactories, which were invariably destroyed bythe orders of the Spanish Government. At length, when Spain herselfbecame enslaved by the French, the colonists took the opportunity ofthrowing off the galling yoke, and New Granada and Venezuela declaredtheir independence. The Spanish standard was cut down and destroyed,while the tricoloured flag was hoisted in numerous towns and fortresses.The inhabitants of the two vice-royalties flew to arms, and, under theleadership of General Miranda, the Royalists were defeated in Venezuela.No sooner, however, had Spain been liberated by the success of theBritish arms over Napoleon's generals in the Peninsula, than she madeuse of her recovered liberty again to enthral the hapless colonists.Simon Bolivar, who had hitherto taken no active part in the revolution,was at length won over to espouse the cause of Freedom; and a congresshaving been assembled at Caracas to organise a new Government for thestate of Venezuela, he proceeded to England for the purpose ofendeavouring to induce the British Cabinet to aid the cause of Liberty.Finding, however, that the English had resolved on maintaining a strictneutrality, though they had ample excuses for interfering in the causeof humanity, he returned in disgust to Caracas.
Sometimes success attended the Patriot arms, sometimes the Royalistswere victorious. At length a dreadful earthquake occurred. I rememberit well. Fear was inspired by the terrible destruction it caused tolife and property. In the three cities of Caracas, La Guayra, andMerida, twenty thousand persons perished. The priests, monks, andfriars, who in general were the main supporters of Spanish tyranny,knowing that with the advancement of Liberal principles their powerwould be decreased, if not overthrown, declared this catastrophe to be ajudgment on the revolutionists. About twelve hundred of the Royalistprisoners who were confined in the fortress of Puerto Cabello, of whichBolivar was then commandant, having broken loose, murdered some of thegarrison, and by the treachery of the officer on guard took possessionof the citadel. Bolivar, with a band of followers, narrowly escapeddestruction; and General Miranda, who was at Vittoria, on hearing thatthis important place, with all its stores, arms, and ammunition, wasdeserted, capitulated in despair to Monteverde, the Royalist general;and being sent in irons to Spain, he there died--shortly afterwards--ina dungeon.
The whole country was now once more entirely in the hands of theRoyalists, who inflicted the most fearful cruelties on the haplessinhabitants. On pretexts the most trivial, old men, women, and childrenwere arrested, their houses plundered, and they themselves maimed in themost horrible way, or massacred as rebels.
I have been speaking chiefly of Venezuela. The Liberals in New Granadasuffered similar reverses; but, in consequence of the inaccessiblenature of many parts of the country, the Patriots, although defeated,were able to take refuge in positions from which they could not bedriven by the Spaniards; and many, under various leaders, remained inarms, prepared for the moment when they might again attack the Royalistswith a prospect of success, and drive them, as they had vowed to do,from the country.
The bloodthirsty monster, General Murillo, had at this time hisheadquarters at Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital of New Granada. Our owncity of Popayan had not altogether escaped, but it was at presentcomparatively tranquil, though people lived in dread of what a day mightbring forth. Murillo was attempting to stamp out Liberal principles bythe destruction of every man of science and education in the country,being well aware that ignorance and superstition were the strongestsupporters of Spanish tyranny. My father, as a medical man and anEnglish subject, hoped to escape annoyance; though our uncle, DrCazalla, owing to his known Liberal principles and scientificattainments, was well aware that his position was critical in theextreme. Though on his guard, he was too bold to fly. My father oftenurged him to leave the country, but his reply was, "I will remain, toforward, by every means in my power, the cause of liberty, and endeavourto advance the true liberties of the people among whom I live." Myfather steadily pursued his professional duties, attending equally onthe Royalists and Liberals, by both of whom he was highly esteemed,--though those who knew him best were well aware that his sympathies wereall on the side of Freedom.
However, my object is not so much to describe the political events whichoccurred in the country, as to narrate my own adventures, and those ofmy relatives and friends. My father had often intended to send mybrother and me to England for our education; but my mother was unwillingto part with us, and suggested, instead, that an English tutor should beprocured, who would give us the instruction we required. My fatherremarked that it was not only the knowledge we should obtain by going toEngland which would prove of value, but the training and generaleducation we should receive at an English school. He had made up hismind to act as he thought best, notwithstanding our mother's objections,when he was called in to visit an English traveller who had latelyarrived at Popayan, accompanied by a secretary--Mr Laffan--for whom heseemed to entertain a warm regard. His malady increased, and my fathersoon saw that his hours were numbered, and told him so. The dying manacknowledged that his funds were nearly exhausted; that he was waitingremittances from England, but that it might be long before they arrived,if they ever came at all; and he was greatly concerned as to what wouldbecome of his attendant, who would thus be left in a foreign countrywithout the means of leaving it, or of obtaining support. My father hadnot been favourably impressed by the appearance of Mr Laffan, who wastall and gaunt, with awkward manners and ungainly figure; but after someconversation he found him to be a man of considerable attainments andintelligence, and apparently thoroughly honest and trustworthy.
On the death of the unfortunate gentleman, my father found his companionplunged in the deepest grief.
"He was my best friend, sir, the truest I ever had in the world; and nowhe's gone and left me all alone among savages, or little better, by theway they murder each other; and we may call them heathens, too, when wesee them bow down to stocks and stones."
My father, feeling for the poor man, inquired whether he would bewilling to act as tutor to two boys. On receiving this proposal, MrLaffan started up and pressed my father's hand, and while the tears randown his cheeks, assured him that he would gladly devote his life andenergies to the task, hoping that my father would have no cause toregret having entrusted us to his charge.
Having seen his former patron placed in the grave, Mr Laffan took uphis abode in our house, and well and faithfully fulfilled the duties hehad undertaken--although, it must be confessed, in a somewhat curiousfashion--and we soon became as much attached to him, I believe, as hewas to us. He gave us not only mental, but physical training; for, inspite of his gaunt figure, he was a first-rate horseman, and thoroughlyunderstood the sword-exercise, a pract
ical knowledge of which heimparted to us. He was a good shot and a keen sportsman; and althoughhe seldom spoke of himself, he had, I discovered, seen a good deal ofservice, and had honourable wounds to show. He was a devoted Liberal,and detested tyranny in every shape and form. As may be supposed, weadmired his principles, which, indeed, were those of our father anduncle, and all the members of our mother's family.
As I have said, Juan and I rode on, while Mr Laffan and Hugh followedclose behind us. Our road lay between lanes bordered by hedges of theprickly pear, and gardens filled with fruit trees of every description;while before us rose the Cordilleras, adding much to the beauty of thescenery. Before we had ridden far, Don Juan confessed to me that,besides paying a promised visit to my friends, his object was to seeDona Dolores.
"She is beautiful and good, and full of sense and spirit, so unlike thegreater number of my countrywomen," he exclaimed; "I believe there isnothing that she would not dare and do."
"I quite believe all you say of her, Juan," I answered; though I confessI did not admire the young lady quite as much as my friend did.According to my taste, her manner was somewhat too determined andforward--shall I call it?--although I could not exactly say that she wasmasculine in her appearance, or wanting in feminine attractions; and Ihad no doubt that she could be soft and tender on occasion.
"But does Dona Dolores return your love?" I asked.
"I hope so; I have no reason to believe that she dislikes me," heanswered, "though I own that she treats me sometimes as if I were a mereboy. But perseverance conquers all difficulties. My great desire is toconvince her of the sincerity of my affection, and that I am worthy ofher love."
"I should think that she would soon be convinced of that," I observed,looking up at Juan, of whom I thought a great deal; he was a man, Ifancied, to whom any girl would willingly give her heart.
"I have determined to visit her to-day, after paying my respects to DonRicardo and Dona Maria, and to learn my fate. Will you accompany me,Duncan? I dare say that, if I give you a sign, you will find an excusefor leaving us together while I plead my cause."
I, of course, said that I was perfectly ready to do as Juan wished,although I did not think my presence would be necessary.
We had got more than half-way to Egido, when we overtook a large partyof Indians returning from Popayan to their own village. At their headmarched one of their number playing the tabor and pipes, to which theykept admirable time. The men were a remarkably fine-looking set offellows; and the women were handsome, with good figures. The former,who carried long lances, wore kilts, and on their heads blue cloth capstrimmed with scarlet, ornamented with gold lace somewhat the worse forwear. Their bearing, also, was bold and independent. They saluted DonJuan in a familiar way, and he laughed and joked with them as we passedby.
"These men would make good soldiers, if they could be got to join theLiberal cause," observed Mr Laffan.
"But you'll not get them while they live under the influence of theirpriests," answered Juan. "The friars try to persuade the people thatthe Liberals are in league with Satan, and that if they join them theywill do so at the peril of their souls. They eyed you three verysuspiciously," he continued; "for the friars tell them that allEnglishmen have tails, like monkeys, and horns on their heads, and thatthey are addicted to eating babies when they can get a supply."
"You should try and disabuse them of such notions, Don Juan," said MrLaffan.
"I!--it is no business of mine. I let the people think as they like--itdoes no harm."
"It always does harm to allow people to believe a falsehood, and weshould oppose it with truth," observed Mr Laffan.
Don Juan laughed, and commenced trolling forth a jovial song as we rodealong, as if he did not like to be lectured by our tutor.
On arriving at the hacienda, we found that Don Ricardo was out; but DonaMaria received us very kindly, and servants immediately came forward totake charge of our horses. My little cousin Rosa, as we always calledher, received me with smiles as I delivered Flora's package, and gaveher the message she had sent. She was a beautiful blue-eyed girl, witha rich colour, inheriting the naturally fair complexion of her father,with her mother's beauty; for Dona Maria was one of the prettiest of theyoung people in that part of the country--still looking almost like agirl. Without inquiring whether we would have them, she immediatelyordered the usual refreshments, wine, cake, and fruit, with some cups ofcoffee, to be placed on the table; to which, after our ride, we didample justice. Mr Laffan complimented Dona Maria on the fruitsproduced on the estate. Indeed, when I afterwards left my nativevalley, I learned to appreciate them, by comparison with the productionsof other regions. Nothing, indeed, can surpass the flavour of thechirimoya, a fruit sometimes double the size of a cocoa-nut, tastinglike a mixture of strawberries, cream, and sugar, with a fragrance farsuperior to any mixture. Then the caymato (in shape like a lemon, butfar sweeter, with scarcely a touch of the acidity of the lemon), aspecies of lime, and the pomegranates, oranges, and strawberries, one ofwhich was a mouthful, and figs unsurpassed in any other country. Thenthere was the mamei, a fruit as large as a water-melon, very nice,fresh, and not to be despised when preserved. Then there were severalsorts of pine apples, and a variety of melons. Indeed, the climate ofthis region is especially favourable to the production of fruit, as thethermometer seldom falls below 68 degrees, and never rises much above 76degrees. Then the wine and the lemonade were delightfully cooled byice; an ample supply of snow being constantly brought down from themountain of Purace, distant little more than a day's journey.
In a short time Don Ricardo came in, and welcomed us in a hearty,sailor-like fashion. He still retained his nautical manners andappearance, as well as his seamanlike habits. He was broad-shouldered,of moderate height, with a fine brow and an open countenance, and thelight blue eye of the Anglo-Saxon. We always called him Uncle Richard,and he treated us as his nephews.
"You'll stop, now you have come," he said, shaking us all by the hand;"I've been looking for you for many a day. We must have some huntingand shooting. I will send over and let your father know that I havelaid an embargo on you, so that he must not expect you until you appear.You can study as hard as you like in the evening, or whenever we are inthe house, and Mr Laffan will give you lectures on natural historywhile we are on our excursions. Juan, mio amigo, you must remain also;we have plenty of room, and can hang up a dozen hammocks, or fifty forthat matter; I have hooks provided on purpose in the hall."
Juan did not even make a show of refusing, for fear that the invitationmight not be pressed. I suspect that Uncle Richard was well aware ofhis admiration for Dona Dolores, who was a distant cousin of DonaMaria's. She was an only daughter, and heiress of a fair estate closeto Egido.
Mr Laffan making no objection, Don Ricardo despatched a messenger, ashe had promised, to our father, and we remained with clear consciences.
The house itself, I may here say, was a long low building, of twostories only in one portion, round which ran a broad verandah. Itpossessed no pretensions to architectural beauty, but was very neat andcomfortable inside, and even elegant on the garden front.
Before dinner Don Ricardo took us out to see the gardens and farm. Inthe former, the fruits I have already described were growing inprofusion, besides vegetables of all sorts. In one direction spread outfields of Indian corn of luxuriant growth. In the meadows were cattleand sheep with beautiful white fleeces and long tails, while numbers ofhorses were seen galloping about at liberty.
"I sincerely hope the Spaniards will not pay a visit to this place,"observed Mr Laffan to me, as Uncle Richard and Juan were walking onahead; "they would soon make a clean sweep of these cattle and thecorn-fields."
This estate was only one of many others of a similar character scatteredover the country, but probably Egido benefited by the energy andperseverance of its owner. My father used to remark, that Dona Mariawas twice as rich as she would have been had she married a countrymanwith an estate
double the size of her own. The people also were welllooked after, having nice cottages, well thatched, and kept clean andtidy. Uncle Richard's plan was to go about giving prizes to those whohad the best-kept huts. He had a school for the children, too, wherethey were taught to read the Bible, notwithstanding the objection atfirst raised by the parish priest--who was, however, at length inducedto read it himself. He one day came to Uncle Richard and acknowledgedit to be the best book for all who could read. Although the honestpadre at first sided with the oppressors of his country, he now becamean earnest Liberal, but avoided taking any open part in politics, andconfined himself to instructing the people. Uncle Richard was notheologian, and had never had an argument in his life with PadreVincente. His custom was simply to open the Bible and point to certainparts, and say, "Read that; if this book was written by God's command--and I am sure it was--that's what he says, not I." Padre Vincente mightnot have called himself a Protestant, but he certainly preached thegospel, and the people under his charge were the best conducted andhappiest in the neighbourhood.
On our return to the house, we found dinner ready. Dona Maria, duringour absence, had been busy superintending its preparation; and if thetable did not groan with delicacies, the feast was as good a one as wecould have desired to eat. Mr Laffan, Hugh, and I showed, at allevents, that we enjoyed it, though Juan was unusually silent, and atebut little. There was something on his mind, which came out afterdinner.
"Duncan," he said, "I want you and Senor Laffan to assist me in givingDona Dolores a serenade, as soon as the shades of evening come on. Yousing, and he plays the guitar. I understand that Dona Dolores is fondof music, although she tells me that I trifle away my time by practisingit."
Uncle Richard laughed when Juan told him what he was going to do. "If Iwere a bachelor I would accompany you, although such kind of singing asyours is somewhat out of my way. I don't think, however, that the younglady would be charmed by `Cease, rude Boreas,' `One night it blew ahurricane,' `On board of the Arethusa,' or such other songs as I used tosing afloat."
We had no difficulty in procuring a couple of guitars. Juan took one,Mr Laffan the other, and as soon as it began to grow dark we set out.We soon approached the front of Dona Dolores' residence. It was atwo-storied building, with a balcony on one side overhanging the roadsome little way from the entrance-gate.
Juan and I were walking together, Mr Laffan bringing up the rear, whensuddenly the former stopped and grasped my arm. "I see some one on thebalcony," he whispered. "It must be she--how fortunate! She wouldconsider it rude to go away when once we begin; let us lose no time."
We cautiously approached.
"Suppose it is only her old duenna, Senora Ortes!"
"Nonsense!" answered Juan. "I can discern the outline of her figure; noother form can possess such grace."
I thought that Juan's imagination assisted him in this respect, as Icould only just distinguish that a female was seated on the balcony. Aswe drew near, however, I began to suspect that it was Dona Doloresherself, but her head at the time was turned away, as if addressing someone.
Stepping softly, so that we might not be discovered until we at onceburst into song, we approached the house. Juan led the way; I keptclose under the wall, having no guitar; while Mr Laffan stood at alittle distance. Juan gave the signal, and we commenced the song. Itwas in praise of a lady resembling Dona Dolores in all particulars, andthe love and devotion of one whose affection she had won, but appearedto regard with disdain.
Dona Dolores--for it was she--leaned her head on her hand as shelistened to the music, which was such as to attract any female ear. Iwill not speak of my own powers; but Juan's voice was full and rich--indeed, he was one of the best singers I ever heard; and Mr Laffan didhis part on the guitar.
We had continued for some time, when Dona Dolores leaned forward andsaid, "I will not pretend to be ignorant as to who you are. You desireto speak with me; and I am willing to see you. You are welcome to comein, with your young friend, whose voice I recognise."
Don Juan poured out his thanks, and expressed his readiness to takeadvantage of the permission given him.
Dona Dolores had said nothing of Mr Laffan; perhaps she had notperceived him, or in the dark had mistaken him for me, as I had beenconcealed under the wall--although our figures were very different. Atall events, it was very evident that he would be one too many. Of thishe was perfectly well aware himself, and as we went round to the frontentrance he whispered,--"I'll go back and tell Don Ricardo that you havethe honour of an interview, and will soon return;" and without anotherword he hastened along the road.
We made our way to the front gate, which was opened as we arrived bySenora Ortes, who had been directed by her mistress to let us in.
"Dona Dolores awaits you in her sitting-room," she said; "you arewelcome."
She led the way into the house. We found Dona Dolores with a femalefriend, somewhat older, seated in a well-furnished room, with a coupleof guitars on a sofa beside them. Some books were on a table, veryseldom to be seen in a lady's apartment in that country; while one ofthe walls was ornamented with swords and daggers, guns and pistols--giving a somewhat odd appearance to a lady's boudoir.
Dona Dolores looked handsomer than ever, and I could not be surprisedthat she had won my friend's heart. She smiled as we approached andsaluted her. Don Juan having told her where we were staying, and alittle ordinary conversation having taken place, they both looked, Ithought, as if they wished that the other lady and I were at a distance.We, at all events, supposing such to be the case, retired to the otherend of the room, to examine some artificial flowers, which the younglady told me she had learned to make at the nunnery of the Encarnacionat Popayan. She then confided to me that she had once intended to be anun, but, after a little experience of a conventual existence before shehad taken the vows, thought better of it, and had returned to herfriends; adding, "And perhaps some day I may accept a husband, should asuitable one be presented to me."
While we were speaking, she saw my eye directed towards the arms on thewalls.
"They are all in good order, and intended to be used," she observed."My friend thinks it a good place to keep them in, as no one wouldimagine that they were placed there otherwise than for ornament. Thetime may come, however, and that before long, when they may do goodservice to our country."
Although my companion continued to speak, as if to engage my attention,I could not help hearing the conversation that was going on between DonJuan and Dona Dolores. In ardent tones he declared his love anddevotion, and vowed that his happiness in life depended on her becominghis wife.
"I will not deny, Don Juan, that I return the love you bestow on me; butthis arises from the weakness of my woman's nature. Notwithstandingthis, I tell you that nothing shall induce me to marry a man who is notready to sacrifice his life and property to obtain the enfranchisementof our beloved country from the tyrannical yoke of her oppressors. Youhave hitherto led an indolent life, regardless of the sufferings of ourpeople. Not until I see you boldly come forward and nobly devoteyourself to the cause of freedom, will I promise to become your wife.When that freedom has been won, and the Spaniards, the hated Godos, havebeen driven into the sea--"
"But that may not be for many years, my beloved Dolores!" exclaimed DonJuan; "am I to wait so long before I enjoy the unspeakable happiness ofcalling you mine?"
"If you and other young men of wealth and position in the country, whoought to set the example to other classes, hang back, that gloriousobject may never be accomplished, and I shall die a maiden; for I swearto you I will never wed while our country remains enslaved," exclaimedDona Dolores in a firm tone.
My companion's tongue here went rattling on at such a rate, that I didnot hear what more was said for some time; but it was evident that DonaDolores was expatiating on the duty of all patriots to struggle on, inspite of every difficulty, until the power of the Spaniards wasoverthrown.
At length Don Juan exclaime
d,--"Your arguments have prevailed, DonaDolores: from henceforth I will emerge from the useless life I havehitherto led, and will devote my life to the cause of Freedom. Youshall have no reason to complain of your pupil. I trust that you willhear of such deeds as you would have me do; and you may be sure that Ishall ever be found in the van of the battle, when the foe are to beencountered. Your approval, and the reward I look for, will spur me onto acts of valour."
As he spoke I looked round. Dona Dolores had given him her hand, whichhe was pressing to his lips; and I heard her say,--"I will trust you,Juan; and you may rest assured that I will not depart from my promise."
As my companion had no longer any excuse for remaining where we were,she returned to the side of her friend. Dona Dolores had taken up herguitar, and running her fingers over the strings, sang a few verses of apatriotic song, which greatly affected Juan, and at the same time rousedin my heart a desire to take a part in the struggle for freedom in whichall classes throughout the country were eager to engage. It waswell-known that, when once it began, it would be to the knife, as theSpanish generals showed no mercy to those who fell into their power--neither sex, rank, nor age were spared. As we spoke of the atrocitieswhich had been committed, the eyes of Dona Dolores flashed fire. Shepressed her lips together, and looked towards the wall on which theweapons hung.
"Every man and youth--ay, every woman who has a spark of patriotism--must take a part in the glorious work!" she exclaimed. Rising from herseat, she took a sword from the wall. "Here, my Juan, let me gird youwith this weapon; and when once you draw it, swear that it shall neveragain be sheathed until the standard of Liberty waves throughout thelength and breadth of the land, and every Spaniard is hurled into theocean which bore him to our shores."
Don Juan, kissing the jewelled hilt of the weapon, swore as Doloreswished, and with a triumphant smile she buckled it to his waist.
My enthusiasm being aroused, I dare say I too looked as if I wished tobe presented with a sword.
"You must wait a while," observed Dona Dolores, divining my thoughts;"you are not yet your own master, and I would not compromise yourexcellent father."
The remark showed that the speaker possessed good sense and judgment aswell as patriotism.
At last I reminded Juan that Don Ricardo would be expecting us, and wetook our leave of the two ladies--my admiration for Dona Dolores greatlyincreased by the visit we had paid her.
I expected that Juan would break out enthusiastically in her praise, buthe did not utter a word during our walk home; his thoughts wereevidently occupied by the new duties he had undertaken. He had hithertopassed his time in superintending his mother's estate, or enjoying suchamusements as offered. He would now have to lead a life full of dangersand hardships.
"I congratulate you on finding Dona Dolores at home," observed UncleRichard when we arrived.
"Yes, we had that honour," said Juan, endeavouring to hide the swordwhich he had received--he had given me his to carry. I observed that heplaced it carefully against the wall, and covered it with his cloak.
Supper was now announced, but Juan spoke very little during the meal.Mr Laffan, however, conversed for all the party; rattling away, as hecould do when he had had a glass or two of good wine to raise hisspirits, and listening, apparently with rapt attention, to UncleRichard's sea stories and jokes, though he had heard them fifty timesbefore. Dona Maria, too, spoke English very fairly, having learned itfrom her husband; and Juan could understand what was said, though he wasbashful about speaking.
We retired at an early hour to our hammocks, as we were to start betimesthe next morning, on our expedition.