y."

I thought I could perceive a desire upon the part of our host not to
speak further on this subject, and yet I felt a sudden, and, strange to
say, a painful curiosity to know more about Don Emilio, the American,
and his connection with our newly-made acquaintance. I can only explain
this by asking the reader if he or she has not experienced a similar
feeling while endeavouring to trace the unknown past of some being in
whom either has lately taken an interest--an interest stronger than
friendship?

That mamma smoked was clear, for the old lady had already gone through
the process of unrolling one of the small cartouche-like cigars. Having
re-rolled it between her fingers, she placed it within the gripe of a
pair of small golden pincers.

This done, she held one end to the coals that lay upon the _brazero_,
and ignited the paper. Then, taking the other end between her thin,
purlish lips, she breathed forth a blue cloud of aromatic vapour.

After a few whiffs she invited the major to participate, offering him a
cigarrito from her beaded cigar-case.

This being considered an especial favour, the major's gallantry would
not permit him to refuse. He took the cigarrito, therefore; but, once
in possession, he knew not how to use it.

Imitating the senora, he opened the diminutive cartridge, spreading out
the edges of the wrapper, but attempted in vain to re-roll it.

The ladies, who had watched the process, seemed highly amused,
particularly the younger, who laughed outright.

"Permit me, Senor Coronel," said the Dona Joaquina, taking the cigarrito
from the major's hand, and giving it a turn through her nimble fingers,
which brought it all right again.

"Thus--now--hold your fingers thus. Do not press it: _suave, suave_.
This end to the light--so--very well!"

The major lit the cigar, and, putting it between his great thick lips,
began to puff in a most energetic style.

He had not cast off half a dozen whiffs when the fire, reaching his
fingers, burned them severely, causing him to remove them suddenly from
the cigar. The wrapper then burst open; and the loose pulverised
tobacco by a sudden inhalation rushed into his mouth and down his
throat, causing him to cough and splutter in the most ludicrous manner.

This was too much for the ladies, who, encouraged by the cachinnations
of Clayley, laughed outright; while the major, with tears in his eyes,
could be heard interlarding his coughing solo with all k