ons, mechanically repeated, will give them grace in His eyes. But
it is very certain that many of the most constant attendants on these
morning prayers are actuated by very different feelings. In a land of
jealous men you will find the women peculiarly intelligent and cunning,
and the matutinal hour is to them the "golden opportunity." He is a
very jealous guardian, indeed, whose vigil tempts him from his couch at
so chill an hour!

Await the end of the performance by the door of the "iglesia." There
stands a large vase filled with the consecrated water. Each, in passing
out, takes a dip and a sprinkle. In this basin you will see the small
jewelled hand immerse its finger-tips, and the next moment adroitly
deliver a _carte d'amour_ to some cloaked cavallero. Perhaps you may
see the wealthy senora, in the safe disguise of the serape, leave the
church in a direction opposite to that by which she came. If you are
curious enough to follow--which would be extremely ill-bred--you may
witness under the trees of the "alameda," or some unfrequented quarter,
the forbidden "_entrevista_."

The morning, in a Mexican city, has its adventures as well as the night.

The bell of the church of San Ildefonso had just commenced to ring for
"oracion," when a female form was seen issuing from the gateway of one
of the largest mansions of the town, and taking the direction of the
church. It was yet scarce daybreak, and the person thus observed was
closely muffled; but her tall upright form, the dignity and grace of her
carriage, and the proud elastic step told that she was a grand senora.
As she reached the portal of the church she stopped for some moments and
looked around. Her face was not visible, as it was "tapada" under the
folds of a closely-drawn manta; but her attitude, with her head
occasionally moving around, showed that she was scanning the figures
that, at the summons of the bell, approached like shadows through the
grey light. She was evidently expecting some one; and from the eager
scrutiny with which she regarded each new form that entered the plaza,
it was some one whose presence was much desired.

The last of the devotees had arrived and entered the church. It would
be idle to remain longer; and, turning on her heel with an air that
betokened disappointment, the lady glided across the portal, and
disappeared through the door.

In another moment she was kneeling in front of the altar, repeating her
orisons an