already an obvious difference observable here in the people, which
becomes more marked as you proceed toward Castile. The Spaniard is
taller and yet leaner than the Portuguese. He has a more expressive
countenance, a striking sedateness of carriage, and a settled gravity
of manner, especially when silent, which makes him seem wiser than he
is. With much elegance of form, his meagre person shows that he is the
denizen of a dry climate, which, every Spaniard will tell you, gives a
peculiar compactness of structure to all its products: the wheat of
Spain makes more bread, its beef and mutton are more nourishing, its
wines have more body, and the men more enduring vigor than those of
other countries. Certain it is that Spanish troops have often proved
great marchers; yet of all nations they have the slenderest legs, and
indeed they never use their own when they can substitute those of
horse, mule, or _burro_."

"The heat of the climate discourages exercise on foot," said Lady
Mabel.

"Or labor of any kind," said Cranfield. "The universal cloak
sufficiently proves that they are not a working people."

"And imperfectly conceals that they are a ragged one," said she. "Had
I old Moodie at my elbow, he would remind me that 'drowsiness shall
clothe a man in rags.'"

Observing Cranfield gazing round the square with much interest, she
said: "You must be quite familiar with this place."

"I shall never forget the occasion on which I saw it first," he
answered. "I was one of two engineers attached on the assault to