Sunshine and sentiment in Portugal . nly across the insecure footing of adrawbridge. From my lofty position I could see its massivewalls rising sheer from their foundations of solid rock. Theroofs, red-tiled and all aglow in the early sunshine, weredominated by the ruins of a picturesque castle that frettedthe morning sky with a dark line of battlements. Imme-diately below flowed the Guadiana—a broad and statelystream—while beyond rose range upon range of mountainsreceding into the blue distance. We were seated at breakfast, when the door burst openand a stranger rushed into the room. Hadow !
Sunshine and sentiment in Portugal . nly across the insecure footing of adrawbridge. From my lofty position I could see its massivewalls rising sheer from their foundations of solid rock. Theroofs, red-tiled and all aglow in the early sunshine, weredominated by the ruins of a picturesque castle that frettedthe morning sky with a dark line of battlements. Imme-diately below flowed the Guadiana—a broad and statelystream—while beyond rose range upon range of mountainsreceding into the blue distance. We were seated at breakfast, when the door burst openand a stranger rushed into the room. Hadow ! exclaimed the newcomer, his face wreathed insmiles. Warden, dear boy ! cried Hadow in delight. I was introduced, and looked with interest at Mr. ThomasWarden, in whose society we were to pass many pleasantwandering days. He was in his twenty-eighth year, fairhair and moustache, eyee of clear northern blue, and a litheand active figure. Dressed in white duck trousers andan old navy-blue jacket, a flower in his button-hole, and 20. \. EXPERIENCES, PICTURESQUE AND SOCIABLE 21 geniality imprinted on his bright and morning face, hisappearance had all the freshness of a breeze—one all butexpected the table-cloth and window curtains to be stirredinto sympathetic agitation. His was a nature that possessedthe secret of inspiring confidence and even affection. Themost taciturn found their tongues in his presence, and won-dered afterwards wherein lay the charm which had drawnthem out of habitual reserve. The charm lay in his ex-ceeding naturalness and his cheery habit of looking on thebright side of life ; he was so much at home in your presencethat it was but natural that you should feel equally at homein his. Breakfast! exclaimed Warden. Capital! Ive onlyhad one so far, and that was two hours ago. Eat a coupleof eggs ? I should think so. Nothing like morning air togive a man an appetite. We have expected you last night, said Hadow, as heplied him with eatables. I know ; I
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectportuga, bookyear1904
