four seized the cords of variegated silk that
hung down, as already mentioned, from the centre of the ceiling, which was
full fifteen feet high. The waiting-maid had just had time to slip on Dona
Isidra's basquina, and fasten her mantilla on the crown of her head, when
the door opened, and Don Pinto, accompanied by another cavalier, entered
the room.

The damsels were now picturesquely beautiful. No trace was visible of the
dull apathy which, but two minutes before, had seemed to weigh them down.
The yellow tint of their cheeks had become a glowing carnation; the
thick-lipped, half-open mouth was closed with an arch expression, the eyes
flashed fire; all was grace and seduction. The fascinating basquina,
embellishing the full round form, and reaching down to the knees; beneath
it the petticoat of light blue silk; the elegant folds of both garments,
and the indescribable play of the mantilla, now half veiling, then
revealing, the speaking, love-glancing eyes. It was an enchanting group,
which acquired additional grace when joined by the two cavaliers, in their
characteristic Mexican costume, embroidered jackets, and short cloaks. The
girls bounded forward to welcome Don Pinto and his companion, a handsome
young Creole; and with a "_Venid, venid, senores!_" offered them the two
remaining cords. A hasty pressure of the hand, an ardent glance, and the
dancers stood ready to begin.

"The Chica of Yucatan," whispered Don Pinto.

The maidens were all fire, glowing with eagerness. An Indian girl took up
the guitar, and began to play the dance that had been asked for,
accompanied by another on the Mexican instrument already described, which
yielded tones hollow and tremulous, but yet melodious, somewhat resembling
those of an harmonica. The dance commenced with a slow gliding step, the
dancers holding the ropes with one hand, while with the other the ladies
coquetted their mantillas. It was impossible to behold any thing more
fascinating than their movements, as they glided past each other, their
eyes flashing, mantillas waving, their full and graceful forms exhibiting
the most enchanting contours. Presently the step changed, the movements
became quicker, ladies and cavaliers more animated, crossing, circling,
winding, quite unembarrassed by the cords, which they still held, and
which, as they trode the complicated mazes of the dance, gradually formed
themselves into a sort of network. As the ropes grew shorter, the
movements