Meanwhile Don Cosmé had introduced Clayley and the major to his señora, whose baptismal name was Joaquina; and taking the young ladies one in each hand, he presented them as his daughters, Guadalupe and Maria de la Luz (Mary of the Light).
“Mama,” said Don Cosmé, “the gentlemen had not quite finished their cigars.”
“Oh! they can smoke here,” replied the señora.
“Will the ladies not object to that?” I inquired.
“No—no—no!” ejaculated they simultaneously.
“Perhaps you will join us?—we have heard that such is the custom of your country.”
“It was the custom,” said Don Cosmé. “At present the young ladies of Mexico are rather ashamed of the habit.”
“We no smoke—Mamma, yes,” added the elder—the brunette—whose name was Guadalupe.
“Ha! you speak English?”
“Little Englis speak—no good Englis,” was the reply.