He was a
pleasant-looking fellow, with huge black whiskers; his sleeves were
rolled up to his elbows. He touched the guitar with masterly skill,
and sang a little amorous ditty with an expressive leer at the
women, with whom he was evidently a favorite. He afterwards danced a
fandango with a buxom Andalusian damsel, to the great delight of the
spectators. But none of the females present could compare with mine
host's pretty daughter, Pepita, who had slipped away and made her
toilette for the occasion, and had covered her head with roses; and
who distinguished herself in a bolero with a handsome young dragoon.
We ordered our host to let wine and refreshment circulate freely among
the company, yet, though there was a motley assembly of soldiers,
muleteers, and villagers, no one exceeded the bounds of sober
enjoyment. The scene was a study for a painter: the picturesque
group of dancers, the troopers in their half military dresses, the
peasantry wrapped in their brown cloaks; nor must I omit to mention
the old meagre Alguazil, in a short black cloak, who took no notice of
any thing going on, but sat in a corner diligently writing by the
dim light of a huge copper lamp, that might have figured in the days
of Don Quixote.
The following morning was bright and balmy, as a May morning ought
to be, according to the poets. Leaving Arahal at seven o'clock, with
all the posada at the door to cheer us off we pursued our way
through a fertile country, covered with grain and beautifully verdant;
but which in summer, when the harvest is over and the fields parched
and brown, must be monotonous and lonely; for, as in our ride of
yesterday, there were neither houses nor people to be seen.
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