The features indicated that she was a Mexican, but the complexion was darker than the half-breed, the Aztec blood predominated. The crimson, mantling under the bronze of her cheeks, gave to her countenance that picture-like expression of the mixed races of the Western World. The eye, black, with long fringing lash, and a brow upon which the jetty crescent seemed to have been painted. The nose slightly aquiline, curving at the nostril; while luxuriant hair, in broad plaits, fell far below her waist. As she stood on the sill of the low window, we had a full view of her person--from the satin slipper to the _reboso_ that hung loosely over her forehead. She was plainly dressed in the style of her country. We saw that she was not of the aristocracy, for, even in this remote region, has Paris fashioned the costume of that order. On the other hand, she was above the class of the "poblanas," the demoiselles of the showy "naguas" and naked ankles. She was of the middle rank. For some moments my friend and myself gazed upon the fair apparition in silent wonder. She stood awhile, looking out upon the street, scanning the strange uniforms that were grouped before her. At length her eye fell upon us; and as she perceived that my comrade was wounded, she turned toward the old man. "Look, father, a wounded officer! ah, what a sad thing, poor officer." "Yes, it is a captain, shot through the arm." "Poor fellow! he is pale--he is weary. I shall give him sweet water, shall I, father?" "Very well, go, bring it." The girl disappeared from the window; and in a few moments returned with a glass, containing an amber-colored liquid--the essence of the pine-apple. Making a sign toward L----, the little hand that held the glass was thrust through the bars of the reja. Being nearer, I rose, and taking the glass, handed it to my friend. L---- bowed to the window, and acknowledging his gratitude in the best Spanish he could muster, drank off the _agua dulce_. The glass was returned; and the young girl took her station as before. We did not enter into conversation, neither L---- nor myself; but I noticed that the incident had made an impression upon my friend. On the other hand, I observed the eyes of the girl, although at intervals wandering away, always return, and rest upon the features of my comrade. L---- was handsome; besides, he bore upon his person the evidence of a higher quality--courage; the quality that, before all others, will win the heart of a woman. All at once, the features of the girl changed their expression, and she uttered a scream. Turning toward my friend, I saw the blood dripping through the sash. His wound had re-opened. I threw my arms around him, as several of the soldiers rushed forward; but before we could remove the bandage L---- had swooned. "May I beseech you to open the door?" said I, addressing the young girl and her father. "_Si--si, señor_," cried they together, hurrying away from the window.