and marred by self-indulgence: her face, which was still
attractive, stamped with the most cruel passions, her eye burning
with the greed of evil. It was not from her appearance, I believe,
but from some emanation of her soul, that I recoiled in a kind of
fainting terror; as we hear of plants that blight and snakes that
fascinate, the woman shocked and daunted me. But I was of a brave
nature; trod the weakness down; and forcing my way through the
slaves, who fell back before me in embarrassment, as though in the
presence of rival mistresses, I asked, in imperious tones: 'Who is
this person?'

A slave girl, to whom I had been kind, whispered in my ear to have
a care, for that was Madam Mendizabal; but the name was new to me.

In the meanwhile the woman, applying a pair of glasses to her eyes,
studied me with insolent particularity from head to foot.

'Young woman,' said she, at last, 'I have had a great experience in
refractory servants, and take a pride in breaking them. You really
tempt me; and if I had not other affairs, and these of more
importance, on my hand, I should certainly buy you at your father's
sale.'

'Madam--' I began, but my voice failed me.

'Is it possible that you do not know your position?' she returned,
with a hateful laugh. 'How comical! Positively, I must buy her.
Accomplishments, I suppose?' she added, turning to the servants.

Several assured her that the young mistress had been brought up