Peregil now
bought new clothes for his little flock, and all kinds of toys,
together with ample provisions for a hearty meal, and returning to his
dwelling, sat all his children dancing around him, while he capered in
the midst, the happiest of fathers.
The wife of the water-carrier kept her promise of secrecy with
surprising strictness. For a whole day and a half she went about
with a look of mystery and a heart swelling almost to bursting, yet
she held her peace, though surrounded by her gossips. It is true,
she could not help giving herself a few airs, apologized for her
ragged dress, and talked of ordering a new basquina all trimmed with
gold lace and bugles, and a new lace mantilla. She threw out hints
of her husband's intention of leaving off his trade of water-carrying,
as it did not altogether agree with his health. In fact she thought
they should all retire to the country for the summer, that the
children might have the benefit of the mountain air, for there was
no living in the city in this sultry season.
The neighbors stared at each other, and thought the poor woman had
lost her wits; and her airs and graces and elegant pretensions were
the theme of universal scoffing and merriment among her friends, the
moment her back was turned.
If she restrained herself abroad, however, she indemnified herself
at home, and putting a string of rich oriental pearls round her
neck, Moorish bracelets on her arms, and an aigrette of diamonds on
her head, sailed backwards and forwards in her slattern rags about the
room, now and then stopping to admire herself in a broken mirror.
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