'Good! Good! Farewell, Cavaliers!' said Don Christoval, and instantly departed.
'You, Marquis,' said Lorenzo in the accent of surprise; 'You, Alphonso d'Alvarada?'
'Even so, Lorenzo: But unless you have already heard my story from your Sister, I have much to relate that will astonish you.
Follow me, therefore, to my Hotel without delay.'
At this moment the Porter of the Capuchins entered the Cathedral to lock up the doors for the night. The two Noblemen instantly withdrew, and hastened with all speed to the Palace de las Cisternas.
'Well, Antonia!' said the Aunt, as soon as She had quitted the Church; 'What think you of our Gallants? Don Lorenzo really seems a very obliging good sort of young Man: He paid you some attention, and nobody knows what may come of it. But as to Don Christoval, I protest to you, He is the very Phoenix of politeness. So gallant! so well-bred! So sensible, and so pathetic! Well! If ever Man can prevail upon me to break my vow never to marry, it will be that Don Christoval. You see, Niece, that every thing turns out exactly as I told you: The very moment that I produced myself in Madrid, I knew that I should be surrounded by Admirers. When I took off my veil, did you see, Antonia, what an effect the action had upon the Conde? And when I presented him my hand, did you observe the air of passion with which He kissed it? If ever I witnessed real love, I then saw it impressed upon Don Christoval's countenance!'
Now Antonia had observed the air, with which Don Christoval had kissed this same hand; But as She drew conclusions from it somewhat different from her Aunt's, She was wise enough to hold her tongue. As this is the only instance known of a Woman's ever having done so, it was judged worthy to be recorded here.
The old Lady continued her discourse to Antonia in the same strain, till they gained the Street in which was their Lodging.
Here a Crowd collected before their door permitted them not to approach it; and placing themselves on the opposite side of the Street, they endeavoured to make out what had drawn all these people together. After some minutes the Crowd formed itself into a Circle; And now Antonia perceived in the midst of it a Woman of extraordinary height, who whirled herself repeatedly round and round, using all sorts of extravagant gestures. Her dress was composed of shreds of various-coloured silks and Linens fantastically arranged, yet not entirely without taste. Her head was covered with a kind of Turban, ornamented with vine leaves and wild flowers. She seemed much sun-burnt, and her complexion was of a deep olive: Her eyes looked fiery and strange; and in her hand She bore a long black Rod, with which She at intervals traced a variety of singular figures upon the ground, round about which She danced in all the eccentric attitudes of folly and delirium. Suddenly She broke off her dance, whirled herself round thrice with rapidity, and after a moment's pause She sang the following Ballad.
THE GYPSY'S SONG
Come, cross my hand! My art surpasses All that did ever Mortal know;Come, Maidens, come! My magic glasses Your future Husband's form can show:
For 'tis to me the power is given Unclosed the book of Fate to see;To read the fixed resolves of heaven, And dive into futurity.
I guide the pale Moon's silver waggon;
The winds in magic bonds I hold;
I charm to sleep the crimson Dragon, Who loves to watch o'er buried gold:
Fenced round with spells, unhurt I venture Their sabbath strange where Witches keep;Fearless the Sorcerer's circle enter, And woundless tread on snakes asleep.
Lo! Here are charms of mighty power!
This makes secure an Husband's truth And this composed at midnight hour Will force to love the coldest Youth:
If any Maid too much has granted, Her loss this Philtre will repair;This blooms a cheek where red is wanted, And this will make a brown girl fair!
Then silent hear, while I discover What I in Fortune's mirror view;And each, when many a year is over, Shall own the Gypsy's sayings true.
'Dear Aunt!' said Antonia when the Stranger had finished, 'Is She not mad?'