With these exceptions, we saw only the little brown-skinned _leperas_, in their hideous slate-coloured rebosos; and now and then, when chance conducted us to a fandango, a few flaunting specimens of the class "poblana," whose patriotism was not proof against our purses. Among the _elite_ our epaulettes were not specially attractive; and our company was altogether tabooed. The gown appeared to take the shine out of the sword. The soldier might rule in the streets; but within doors the sleek _curas_ had it all their own way. It was these last to whom we were chiefly indebted for the taboo; and of course we hated them accordingly. For my part, I cared but little. If the _doncellas_ of Puebla had made me ever so welcome, I could not have responded to their smiles. The wound I had received from one of them was sufficient for the time; and, so long as it remained uncicatrised, I had no zest for a second _amour_. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For weeks I adhered to the programme traced out by my friend; but without finding the relief he had so confidently prognosticated. The society of woman was absolutely distasteful to me. I had become almost a _gynothrope_. I sought distraction in the company of men; and, I regret to add, men who played _monte_. Play is but a sorry resource--though one of the commonest resorted to-- for soothing the pangs of an unrequited passion. The coquette makes many a recruit for the gaming table. Homburg has seen its scores of frequenters--sent there by her arts--hanging over its tables with broken hearts--even when fortune seems smiling upon them! I had no difficulty in discovering a place to practise the soul-absorbing passion. Professional gamblers travelled along with us-- as if part of the regular staff of the army. Every division had its "dealer" of "faro" or "_monte_;" and almost the first canvas spread in an encampment was that which covered the _tapis vert_ of a card table! In the country it was a tent; in the city a grand saloon, with chandeliers and a set supper. Our army gamblers usually superintended such places--having established temporary partnerships with the indigenous vultures who owned them. The game usually played was that universal in Mexico--_monte_. It was the most convenient--permitting players of all kinds and classes, and equally favourable to the novice as to the skilled gambler. There is no skill required--not much knowledge of any sort. A "banquier," a "croupier," a piece of green baize, and a pack of Spanish cards--_voila tout_!