THE MOORISH PEARLS.
Many years ago, near the Mission of Santa Barbara, there lived a wealthy Spaniard and his wife, who had been married a great many years, and were still childless.
It was the cause of great regret to both, especially to the mother, who loved little ones dearly.
Every day she made an offering to the blessed Virgin, and prayed her to have compassion on her loneliness, and give her a dear little child to take care of, and love.
At last her prayers were answered.
One Christmas eve, when gifts in memory of the blessed Christ-child, were making so many young hearts happy, a beautiful little daughter was given to her, making her the happiest, most thankful woman, in all Santa Barbara.
As the parents were very rich, all the great Spanish families in the county were present at the christening; and all the priests from the Mission of Santa Barbara were invited.
There was a great feast, and every one was delighted; but, above all, the father and mother blessed God for his precious gift, which they prized more than all their great riches.
The little girl grew finely, and was very beautiful, not like the lovely children of the North, fair and golden haired, but her complexion was a rich olive, with the pure crimson blood of health tinging her cheeks, and her lips were red as ripe cherries. Her hair, in the sunshine, had a soft purple hue; in the shadow, it was black as a raven's wing, and her dark eyes were as soft as a young gazelle's.
She possessed in a wonderful degree, the symmetry and grace of the Spanish women, and her hands and feet were so small and exquisitely formed, that they were the marvel of the whole country.