Illustrated by Diantha Horne Marlowe [Illustration] Boston L. C. Page & Company MDCCCCXI Copyright, 1911, by L. C. Page & Company (Incorporated) All rights reserved First Impression, May, 1911 Preface ONE of the important historic events of the present century is the revolution which took place in Portugal on the third day of October, 1910, when King Manuel II lost his throne. The king and his mother were exiled and fled from Lisbon, the capital city, to England. A republic was proclaimed throughout Portugal, and a new, progressive government was adopted on December 1st, 1910. Portugal is often described as "a garden by the side of the sea." Its strength as a country lies in its agriculture, especially in its vineyards, which are the chief source of wealth. Education in Portugal has generally been at a low ebb. At the time of the revolution less than one-fifth of the Portuguese people could read and write. Plans for the new government include the opening of many primary schools and the development of a system of higher education. The Portuguese are an earnest people, enthusiastic yet serious-minded. Even the children play soberly. Whether rich or poor, Portuguese children are taught to respect age as well as to honor their parents. Throughout the country even a small boy takes off his cap and makes a bow when he meets an older person. Little girls also are taught gentleness of manner. The home life is simple and happy. Contents CHAPTER PAGE PREFACE v I. JOSE'S SECRET 1 II. THE ELDER BROTHER 11 III. A PORTUGUESE HOME 17 IV. GARDEN AND VINEYARD 28 V. THE HUSKING OF THE MAIZE 38 VI. AN AUTUMN RAMBLE 45 VII. WINTER WORK AND PLAY 56 VIII. WHEN SPRING UNLOCKS THE FLOWERS 67 IX. ON ST. ANTONIO'S DAY 71 X. BETTER TIMES 85 List of Illustrations PAGE "A SLIM SLIP OF A BOY ... WALKED AT THE HEAD OF A PAIR OF FAWN-COLORED OXEN" (_See page 1_) _Frontispiece_ "JOSE CALLED TO THE DOG TO LEAVE OFF BARKING" 12 "JOANNA, WITH A BOAT-SHAPED BASKET OF CLOTHES UPON HER HEAD" 34 "SHE WAS A PICTURE OF YOUTH, BEAUTY AND GRACE" 43 "FOR A LONG TIME THE BROTHERS WERE SILENT" 50 "HE AND JOSE LOOKED ACROSS THE CITY" 82 Jose Our Little Portuguese Cousin CHAPTER I JOSE'S SECRET "The childhood shows the man."--_John Milton._ A SLIM slip of a boy, with dark brown eyes and pale olive skin, walked at the head of a pair of fawn-colored oxen as he turned homeward from the market-place of a small village in the north of Portugal.