The National tribune., 1891-11-12

Of civilization. The day was nearly gone, so
we determined not TO attempt the Alhambra
until the morrow.
Granada rests upon the side Of a hill, and Is
Of quite a good size, having many fine old
houses, two churches. aud a monastery. The
streets were paved with flags well worn by the
many feet that had travcrscd them, while from
every corner and terrace the wide fertile plain
of the valley spread out before the eye The
place had al the sleepy quiet OF populous
town gone 10 decay-the decay which at that
time seemed 10 pervade All Spain.
We spent the afternoon in the churches and
were rewarded by Gndinga
GLORIOUS ALTAR-PTEcE
by Murillo one Of those magnificent "Immac-
ulate Conceptions Of his, where hundreds Of
chcrub faces f0at in the clouds about the
Mother and Child. IN the evening every one
was out in tie plaza, and we had a chance 10
see all the pretty senoritas as they pTOmenaded
with their parents or duenuas
curious custom prevails IN Spain, aud that
Is that it is quite proper, nay even almost i'm
peratiyo, 90 openly show your admiration at a
pretty face. As tie lady passes 10 eKclaim
How lovely she is! 4" What n beautyl" or
any other lattcruR expression Is sure 10 be
received AS only correct, and a pleased bow and
"a glance from pair of black eyes at once fol.
\ lows, while the duenna brides up and, nOdding
4 indOrscs yOur remark.
The fan is the medium which conveys many
a lovers message. It's opening and shutting
rapid or SLOW movement bcckOniDg or rcpelling
conveys a world Of secret meaning. while GOV.
ert Rlanccs, sly notes aud gentle hand presses
/ form the preliminary Of the more open court
| ship which takes place under the eye Of tht
/ dueuna, who is
WILL PAID TO SEE NOTHING.
Later the loycr under his lady's window
sings IN her praise, receiving as his reward ,
glance, a kiss thrown from the tips Of the fin
gers, or a mute signal Of affection. For us O
course there WAS none Of this but we watched
The little games which went on around us
amused and interested spectators
The following day we asceDded the highti
which the Alhambra crowns, and pHssed ia,
time exploring the glorious Moorish ruins
Tie courts, galleries aud noble balls all replct,
with their light yet brilliant style Of architect
ure the fountains now dry and silent, the grove
wild aud tangled, the massive walls cracke,
aud fallen, mute witnesses Of the old Mo0risl
cOnqucrOrs who shed their blood IN the deiens
Of religion aud fell under the swords Of thos
OF another faith AL impressed us.
shall not attempt a description, for that ha
been too well and fully done by other and able
pens. But as ] gazed upon the ruins the feel
ing crept over me that perhaps it was a mis-
take 10 drive the M0ors away; for men VIII
could do so well and exquisitely build and S
nObly govern, might have made a better cOuu
Try OF Spain than those Who drove them on
and insugurated the Holy fl)Inquisition.
As the sun sank among the mountains W
FASTENED down TO the hotel IN rather a melan
chOly frame Of mind, which was not lcssene
the next day by our visit 20 the Monastery c
the Carthusians We reached the low aud plai
entrance, and ia response 10 our repeate
knocks were admitted 10 an Rnte-rOom, NheT
} We wele carefully scrutini1ed 10 See that u