of these. We may be putting effect for cause, and
cause for effect. An inferior people may deteriorate government, and
corrupt the church. The disciples of the apostles received
Christianity in its purity. Whence originated the rapid degeneracy of
the early Church? We see some portions of the human race betraying
stronger downward tendencies than others. But the 'why' is too complex
a question to admit of a simple solution. The Portuguese of this
province especially are an inferior people. They are probably a
degenerate people; and one cause of that degeneracy may be an
intermixture of dissimilar races."

"It is evident," said Lady Mabel, "that the work Pelayo began was
never finished by his successors; that in reconquering the country the
Christians did not make thorough work in expelling the Moors."

"I know not how thoroughly they may have driven out the Moors," said
Mrs. Shortridge, "but they certainly have not kept out the
black-a-moors. The negroes now form no small part of the population of
Lisbon."

"And the worst part," said L'Isle; "as will always happen when an
inferior race is brought in contact and competition with one superior
to it. A great part of the robbers, and other criminals there, are
negroes. These are comparatively new-comers; but among the old
population around us, though we meet with many specimens of men of
pure and better breed, still, the great number of turned-up noses and
projecting lips we see, gives us an idea of an intermixture with
negroes. This mixture and deterioration of the people will control the
condition of the country far more than revolutions in church and
state. The presence of but one race in a country renders possible a
real freedom, embracing the whole population, and it becomes more
attainable if this people be a race of high caste; but an inferior
people mingled with them, will be politically and socially subjected
to them. This is the history of races all over the world."

They had now ridden many miles on the road to Murao, whither L'Isle
would gladly have led the ladies, were it only for the pleasure of
taking them across the Guadiana, so renowned in song; but he feared to
prolong the fatigues of the journey beyond the next day, and bade the
muleteer find the shortest way back to Elvas. On this their guide soon
turned into a by-way, and they gradually left the cultivated country
behind them. The heat of the day made them wish for shelter long
before it could be