efore, and some seen
coming behind, there was nothing about this one to attract particular
attention; unless, indeed, the beauty of the two "senoritas" inside,
which was certainly exceptional. Both were young, and, if related, not
likely to be sisters; in contour of features, complexion, colour of eyes
and hair, everything different, even to contrast. But alike in that
each after her own style was a picture of feminine loveliness of the
most piquantly attractive kind; while their juxtaposition made it all
the more so, for they were seated side by side.

Such could not fail to draw the eyes of the street passengers upon them,
and elicit looks of admiration. So far from courting this, however,
they seemed desirous of shunning it. The day was one of the finest, the
atmosphere deliciously enjoyable, neither too warm nor too cold; other
carriages were open, yet the hoods of theirs met overhead, and the
glasses were up. Still, as these were not curtained they could be seen
through them. Some saw who knew them, and saluted; gentlemen by raising
the hat, lady acquaintances by a nod, a quivering of the fingers. For
it was the hour of promenade to the Alameda. Others to whom they were
unknown inquired whose carriage it was. But not a few noticed in the
faces of its fair occupants an expression which struck them as singular;
something of constraint or anxiety--the last so unlike what should have
been there.

And so all along the line of street, until the carriage came nearly
opposite the entrance gate of the Alameda, still going slowly; at which
the pampered, high-spirited horses seemed to chafe and fret. Just then,
however, they showed a determination to change the pace, or at all
events the direction, by making a sudden start and shy to the right;
which carried the off wheels nearly nave-deep into the ridge of mud
recently thrown out of the sewer.

Instinctively, or mechanically, the coachman pulled up. No one could
suppose designedly; since there was sufficient likelihood of his having
an overturn. Still, as the mud was soft, by bearing on the near rein,
with a sharp cut of the whip, he might easily clear the obstruction.

This was not done; and the spectators wondered why it was not. They had
already made up their minds that the balk was due to the coachman's
maladroit driving, and this further proof of his stupidity quite
exhausted their patience. Shouts assailed him from all sides, jeers,
and angry ejaculat