itself in his features, of which straightforwardness was the leading
characteristic. His calm temperament seemed to indicate an interior
fire, kept well under control. The fearlessness of his look denoted a
deep-rooted strength, to which, when danger threatened, he could
never appeal in vain.

But, notwithstanding one could not help remarking about this quiet
man of vigorous health, with whom all things had succeeded in life, a
depth of sadness which even the tenderness of Yaquita had not been
able to subdue.

Respected by all, placed in all the conditions that would seem
necessary to happiness, why was not this just man more cheerful and
less reserved? Why did he seem to be happy for others and not for
himself? Was this disposition attributable to some secret grief?
Herein was a constant source of anxiety to his wife.

Yaquita was now forty-four. In that tropical country where women are
already old at thirty she had learned the secret of resisting the
climate's destructive influences, and her features, a little
sharpened but still beautiful, retained the haughty outline of the
Portuguese type, in which nobility of face unites so naturally with
dignity of mind.

Benito and Minha responded with an affection unbounded and unceasing
for the love which their parents bore them.

Benito was now aged twenty-one, and quick, brave, and sympathetic,
contrasted outwardly with his friend Manoel, who was more serious and
reflective. It was a great treat for Benito, after quite a year