The Argosy — page 228: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Letters from Majorca. 211 indiscreet enough to enquire. But I think I may add, without in- discretion, that he will find it difficult to match his own eyes, for they are two of the brightest and most beautiful I ever saw. An invasion of four Englishmen must have astonisned our good landlord, and he no doubt felt that the golden age had risen at last, and Palma was about to become the fashion. Before that day dawns ; if ever Palma is frequented by the English even in small numbers ; he will find it necessary to reorganise his establishment, build himself another dining-room, and separate the two nations on those very im- portant occasions which to so many form the great object of exist- ence. Only this morning at breakfast, one of these swine-herds (or pig- farmers, if the word may be used) came in. I had never seen one before, and was not edified. On second thoughts—for you would not like it—I will spare you any description, and merely mention that, according to the custom of his clan, his head was tied up tightly in a cotton handkerchief, knot and ends behind. If they only tied them in front, starched the ends and stuck them out like a horn on each side, the likeness would be perfect. I had never come across such a specimen, much less sat at the same table with him. His presence filled the room. Luckily, H. C. and three empty chairs were between him and the “wind of my nobility,” or I must have retired. H. C. looked at him steadily for some time, and then turned to me. ‘ Another most interesting production,” he observed. ‘‘I delight in him. The contemplation of this object gives me the greatest satis- faction. Indeed the whole company in general affords me the most supreme pleasure.” No doubt this was said partly to irritate me. It succeeded. I had just finished my sixth bunch of grapes, and rose. H.C. had only begun upon his first, and he had also half a dish of olives to get through—things I detest, but for which he would sacrifice his con- science. : ‘Then pray take your supreme pleasure to the full,” I answered. *‘T leave you to its enjoyment. In my own room, it will be a case of Nunquam solus, quam minus cum solus: a trite proverb, but a compliment one cannot pay you down here.” Five minutes later he appeared, pale and agitated. **What’s the matter,” I asked. ‘‘ Have you seen a ghost ?” ‘* After you left the dining-room,” he gasped, ‘“‘ another specimen appeared on the scene. He was too much even for me ‘ ‘*He must indeed have been bad!” I interrupted, * You cannot have an idea fow bad,’ murmured H. C., faintly. “Might I ask you for a little eau-de-cologne and a tumbler of French brandy.” “Certainly,” I replied, rising with the occasion to the height of a COMMICMOOoOKS.c©