"'Well, then, señor,' I replied, much mollified, and intent upon finding out my fair incognito, 'a lady just now passed through into the church, and if you can only tell me who she is, I will promise to flog you all the bullies in Cuba.'
"'Ah, that would be a long job, dear señor, but if you will accept my arm into the church, and point out the angel who has attracted your notice, I will tell you her name and the part of heaven in which she resides. She was very beautiful I suppose?'
"'Oh! exquisitely beautiful.'
"'Come, then, I am dying to find out which of our Matanzas belles has had the good fortune to fascinate you—this way—do you use the holy water?'
"'In we went and found the organ piping like a northeast snow squall, and the whole assembly on their knees. The stranger and myself ensconced ourselves near a large pillar, and I stood by to keep a bright look out for the lady.
"At last I discovered her among a group of other women, kneeling at the foot of an opposite pillar.
"'There she is,' I whispered to my companion, who had knelt upon his pocket-handkerchief.
"'Well, in a moment,' he replied. 'I'm in the middle of a crooked Latin prayer just now, and have to tell you so in a parenthesis.'
"A turn came to the ceremonies, and all hands arose.
"'Sæcula sæculorum,' muttered my companion, rising, 'Amen! now where's your lady?'