"How I wish you could have been with me, Lola," said Affonzo. "Of course you could not, for girls can not go to the places that boys can. But it was most exciting! What you would like would be to hear Vicente. He told me a wonderful story." "Do tell it to me," said Lola, and Affonzo retold the story of the Gilded Man, to her great delight. "Oh! what a nice story," cried Lola as he finished. "What was the Indian's house like?" "It wasn't a real house, you know," said Affonzo. "It was a little round hut all thatched with straw, and he had bows and arrows and all kinds of things." Affonzo was rather vague in his description. "The trees around were the finest I ever saw. Oh! I am sure there is no country in the world like ours!" Lola smiled, and, touching the strings of her guitar, sang softly: "Minha terra tene palmerias Onde canta a Sabia As aves que acqui gorgeiao Nao gorgeiao como la. "Nosso ceo teni mais estrellas Nossos varzenes tem mais flores Nossos bosques tem mais vida, Nossos vida mais amores."[6] "Brava, little one," cried Uncle Prudente who had come out from his siesta refreshed and cool. "That was very prettily sung, little patriot. Have you children heard the news?" "What news, my uncle?" asked Affonzo. "That you are to go home with me to-morrow to see your grandmother." "How glad I am!" cried Affonzo, and Lola danced up and down in delight, saying, "It is long since we have been in Para, and the ride on the river will be so pleasant." The next day was bright and fair and their sail down the great river as pleasant as they had anticipated. The air was cool and the sun partially under a cloud, so that the heat was not too great and the banks of the stream, with their trees and flowers, presented views as vivid and changing as a kaleidoscope. The city of Para is one of the most important places in Brazil. From it are sent out into the world all the produce of the wonderful valley of the Amazon,--woods, rubber and fruits. Its markets are busy spots of industry, and its harbour teems with shipping. The mother of the Senhor Dias lived in a handsome house on the edge of the town. Since the death of her husband she had lived with her only unmarried son, the Uncle Prudente of whom the children were so fond. She received the travellers warmly. Her son Martim's wife was very dear to her, his children her idols, especially Affonzo. He was his grandfather's image; with his flashing black eyes, his proud mouth, his quick, impetuous manner, he was so like the noble old man she had so loved, that he seemed to embody the youth of her beloved dead. "You must remain for a long visit with me," she said to the children. "I have asked the children of friends to come and play with you in the garden this afternoon. Some of your school-mates will be here, Affonzo, and some little folk for Lola. I hope you will have a pleasant time."