"Oh! very much. It seems to me so strange that people should almost have forgotten the existence of such a nation, until lately; when these discoveries were made."
"Have you seen any account of the ruined cities in Central America?"
"No; what cities? Who built them?"
"There seems to be some doubt on that subject; but it is generally believed that these are the cities of the Mexicans which were actually depopulated by the Spaniards; and which now lie, temples, altars, and palaces, overrun with vegetation, and buried in forests."
"And are they in any state of preservation?"
"Almost as they were left by their owners; buildings of vast extent and elaborate workmanship. The work which has lately come out on this subject, is crowded with drawings, which give a perfect idea of these remains."
"I should like to see that book;" said Margaret.
"I shall have great pleasure in showing it to you. I have just been reading it," said Mr. Haveloc.
"And these Mexicans were then as civilized a people as the Etruscans?"
"More luxurious; but perhaps less artistical. There is a great deal of elegance in the Etruscan decorations."