186
PARTISAN REVIEW
"What is there to see here, Felipe?" asked Gloria as she
stepped down.
"A cinema," said Eulalia, "See it?"
"Oh, yes, look, see how funny it is:
'Hoy-Rosa de Xochi-
milco!"
"It looks like an old barracks," said Maria.
"What else is there? Citron, have you been here before?"
"Yes," said Citron.
"Do you know of anything?"
"A museum," said Citron, "leather shops, churches. There
are some very beautiful churches here."
"Show us, we'd love to see one, wouldn't we?"
"For lack of something better," said Maria. "Let us go,
by
all means." The General nodded to Citron.
"The nearest is along this way, up the hill."
"Can't we drive there?" said Maria.
"I'm afraid the street is too narrow," replied Citron. "It isn't
very far."
"The
Veracruzana
must always be riding," said the General.
"A short walk won't hurt." He himself took the lead. Eulalia and
Gloria ran to join him while Maria came more slowly after and
the two lieutenants as always followed at a distance. It was a steep
climb. The cobblestones were sharp and unless one wore thick
soled shoes bruised the feet. The low roofed houses had bright,
rusting walls and pink doors; the animals, the rough haired dog•
and long legged pigs had reddened feet and bellies.
"They are waiting for her," said Paco. The General and the
two others had halted. Maria, however, did not increase her pace.
"She takes her time. That
Veracruzana
is all right, she's the best
in the lot. It's their black blood, it makes them proud. She's the
prettiest too. Only that Gloria is fit for him, the tough kind with
the thin necks. Eulalia is a kitten. But that
Veracruzana-hasn't
she got too much fire for this sort of life, I wonder?"
"You forget that
el ]efe
is a great man. Paco," said Citron.
"A man, as I was telling you, who has already been recognized
by
history, two weeks ago in Coyoacan. That makes the difference for
a girl like Maria who has probably heard of it."
"History! You mean money."
"Money no doubt plays its part but there are plenty
of
