Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican, Vol. 1 of 2: A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time.Mayer, Brantz
History
Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican, Vol. 1 of 2: A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time.
There is another adventure told to display the excellence of
Revilla-Gigedo's police, in which the count figures rather
melodramatically. It seems that among the _creole_ nobles, who, with
the high officers of government, made up the viceroy's court, there
was a certain marques, whom fortune had endowed with great estates and
two remarkably pretty daughters, and it was doubted by some whether
the care of his cash or his heiresses gave him most anxiety. The
eldest, who bore her father's title, was celebrated for beauty of an
uncommon kind in those regions. She had blue eyes, brilliant
complexion, and golden hair, and was every where known as the fair
haired marquesa. Her sister who, on the contrary, was very dark, with
eyes like the gazelle and raven hair, was called the pretty brunette.
But, different as they were in looks and perhaps in character, there
was one trait in which they perfectly agreed, for they were remarkable
coquettes! It is unknown how many offers of the wealthiest grandees
and most gallant cavaliers about court they had refused; and the poor
marques, who was by no means a domestic tyrant and desired to govern
his family only by kindness, was quite worn out in persuading them to
know there own minds. One night he was roused from his sleep by a
message from the viceroy, who awaited him in the palace. Not for his
best estate would the loyal marques have kept the representative of
his sovereign waiting a moment longer than necessary. Wondering what
reason of state could require his presence at that unusual hour, he
dressed himself hastily, and hurried to the palace. The viceroy was in
his cabinet, surrounded by several of his household, and all in a
state of painful curiosity. "Marques," said the viceroy, as soon as
the nobleman entered, "my lieutenant of police here, complains that
you did not take proper care to secure the doors of your mansion last
evening." "I assure your highness," replied the marques in great
surprise, "that my steward locked both the great gate and the outer
door, according to the invariable custom of my mansion, before
retiring for the night." "But have you not a postern opening into the
next street?" returned the count, "and are you equally heedful in
regard to it? But, in short," he continued, "you must know, that this
watchful lieutenant of mine has saved you to-night from robbery."
"Robbery! your excellency, is it possible?" ejaculated the marques,
startled for a moment out of his habitual composure. "Yes,--and of the
worst kind" replied the viceroy, "the felons were in the act of
carrying off your most exquisite treasures which are now restored to
you." At these words, a door at the side of the cabinet flew open, and
the astonished marques beheld his two daughters, dressed for
travelling, and locked in each other's arms. They seemed overwhelmed
with confusion; the fair hair all dishevelled and the black eyes
drowned in tears. "And these are the robbers," added the viceroy
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