was a woman, took compassion on me.
Whether my country has benefited much by
the Mexican annexation, I can't say; but I
know Inez--made a heaven on earth for
me," concluded the general, in a low voice.
His countenance, at this moment, wore a
solemn and humble expression, beautiful to
see; and Miriam bent and laid her cheek
against his. Meschines knocked the ashes
out of his pipe, and sighed.

"No woman ever took compassion on
me," he remarked, "and you see the result,
--ashes!"

"Ashes,--with their wonted fires living in
them," said Trednoke.

"We were talking about this Indian of
yours," said Meschines.

"Ay, to be sure. Well, he was attached
to Inez's family when I first knew them. It
was a peculiar relation; not like that of a
servant. One finds such things in Mexico.
The conquered race were of as good strain
as their conquerors; the blood of Montezuma
was as blue as the best of the Castilian.
There were many intermarriages; and there
are many instances of the survival of