inferior race is brought in contact and competition with one superior
to it. A great part of the robbers, and other criminals there, are
negroes. These are comparatively new-comers; but among the old
population around us, though we meet with many specimens of men of
pure and better breed, still, the great number of turned-up noses and
projecting lips we see, gives us an idea of an intermixture with
negroes. This mixture and deterioration of the people will control the
condition of the country far more than revolutions in church and
state. The presence of but one race in a country renders possible a
real freedom, embracing the whole population, and it becomes more
attainable if this people be a race of high caste; but an inferior
people mingled with them, will be politically and socially subjected
to them. This is the history of races all over the world."

They had now ridden many miles on the road to Murao, whither L'Isle
would gladly have led the ladies, were it only for the pleasure of
taking them across the Guadiana, so renowned in song; but he feared to
prolong the fatigues of the journey beyond the next day, and bade the
muleteer find the shortest way back to Elvas. On this their guide soon
turned into a by-way, and they gradually left the cultivated country
behind them. The heat of the day made them wish for shelter long
before it could be found in so bare and desolate a region. At length
they were cheered by the sight of a few pines of stunted growth, and
seating themselves in the shade, prepared to dine, while the servants
went in search of water, which proved scarce drinkable when
brought. The sweet-smelling thyme, which abounded in this spot, now
bruised under the horses' hoofs, gave a refreshing fragrance to the
air, and they rested the longer, as Mrs. Shortridge seemed worn out
with the heat. Lady Mabel seized the occasion to add some new plants
to her _hortus siccus_, which, now swollen to a portentous bulk,