He pleaded the inconvenience of a residence
in the palace from its situation on the crest of a hill, distant
from the seat of business and the resorts of social intercourse. It
did very well for monarchs, who often had need of castle walls to
defend them from their own subjects. "But senores," added he, smiling,
"if you think a residence there so desirable, my apartments in the
Alhambra are at your service."
It is a common and almost indispensable point of politeness in a
Spaniard, to tell you his house is yours.- "Esta casa es siempre a
la disposicion de Vm." "This house is always at the command of your
Grace." In fact, any thing of his which you admire, is immediately
offered to you. It is equally a mark of good breeding in you not to
accept it; so we merely bowed our acknowledgments of the courtesy of
the Governor in offering us a royal palace. We were mistaken, however.
The Governor was in earnest. "You will find a rambling set of empty,
unfurnished rooms," said he; "but Tia Antonia, who has charge of the
palace, may be able to put them in some kind of order; and to take
care of you while you are there. If you can make any arrangement
with her for your accommodation, and are content with scanty fare in a
royal abode, the palace of King Chico is at your service."
We took the Governor at his word, and hastened up the steep Calle de
los Gomeres, and through the Great Gate of Justice, to negotiate
with Dame Antonia; doubting at times if this were not a dream, and
fearing at times that the sage Duena of the fortress might be slow
to capitulate.
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