Spain, v. 2 (of 2)

by Edmondo De Amicis

"I have a palsied arm."

"I have had a long sickness."

"Un cuarto, Señorito!"

"Un real, caballero!"

"Una peseta para todos!"

This last request was received with a general cry of approval: "Una peseta para todos!" (a peseta for us all).

With some little trepidation I drew out my purse; they all stood on tiptoe; the nearest poked their chins into it; those behind put their chins on the heads of those in front; the farthest stretched out their arms.

"One moment," I cried. "Who has the most authority among you all?"

They all replied with one voice, stretching out their arms toward the same person, "That one."

It was a terrible old hag, all nose and chin, with a great tuft of white hair standing straight above her head like a bunch of feathers, and a mouth which seemed like a letter-box, with little clothing save a chemise—black, shrivelled, and mummified; she approached me bowing and smiling, and held out her hands to take mine.