The Alhambra . ; the sight of one isenough to spread terror through a whole sierra.^We thanked him for hisoffer, but assured him,in his own strain, thatwith the protection ^S^%& ti^/V^S.* C--• our redoubtable squire, Sancho, we were notafraid of all the ladrones of Andalusia. ^^hile we were supping with our drawcansir friend, we heardthe notes of a guitar, and the click of castanets, and presentlya chorus of voices singing a popular air. In fact, mine host hadgathered together the amateur singers and musicians, and therustic belles of the neighbourhood, and, on going forth, thecourt-yard o
The Alhambra . ; the sight of one isenough to spread terror through a whole sierra.^We thanked him for hisoffer, but assured him,in his own strain, thatwith the protection ^S^%& ti^/V^S.* C--• our redoubtable squire, Sancho, we were notafraid of all the ladrones of Andalusia. ^^hile we were supping with our drawcansir friend, we heardthe notes of a guitar, and the click of castanets, and presentlya chorus of voices singing a popular air. In fact, mine host hadgathered together the amateur singers and musicians, and therustic belles of the neighbourhood, and, on going forth, thecourt-yard or patio of the inn presented a scene of true Spanishfestivity, ^^e took our seats with mine host and hostess andthe commander of the patrol, under an archway opening intouhe court; the guitar passed from hand to hand, but a jovialshoemaker was the Orpheus of the place. He was a pleasant-looking fellow, with huge black whiskers ; his sleeves wererolled up to his elbows. He touched the guitar with masterly. THE JOURNEY 21 skill, and sang a little amorous ditty with an expressive leer atthe women, with whom he was evidently a favourite. Heafterwards danced d, fandango with a buxom Andalusian damsel,to the great delight of the spectators. But none of the femalespresent could compare with mine hosts pretty daughter, Pepita,who had slipped away and made her toilette for the occasionand had covered her head with roses ; and who distinguishedherself in a bolero with a handsome young dragoon. Weordered our host to let wine and refreshment circulate freelyamong the company, yet, though there was a motley assemblyof soldiers, muleteers, and villagers, no one exceeded thebounds of sober enjoyment. The scene was a study for apainter : the picturesque group of dancers, the troopers in theirhalf military dresses, the peasantry wrapped in their browncloaks; nor must I omit to mention the old meagre Algttazil,in a short black cloak, who took no notice of anything goingon, but sat in a corner
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, bookpublisherlondon, bookyear190
