Of course the children were delighted at their father's words; so itcame to pass that Maria found herself, a day or two afterward, in abeautiful home in the very heart of the great city.
It was a grand house to her childish eyes. It was all of stone, coveredwith a yellowish stucco. It was at least a hundred years old, she wastold. It was built around the four sides of an open square, and hadno piazzas on the outside like her own home. But the court inside wasvery beautiful. A fountain played here all day long, and there wereblossoming plants standing in pots on the marble floor.
The family spent much of their time on the verandas in this court. Itwas far pleasanter than inside the house, where the windows were soheavily barred that they made one not used to the custom feel almostas if he were in a prison. The doors of the house were bullet-proof tomake it safe against attack. There was but one entrance to the house,and that led directly into the court. Here the family carriage alwaysstood unless it was in use.
The gentleman who lived here had one son, a little older than Ramon.He showed the children all around the city. As they went from placeto place, he told them how hard his father had worked to raise moneyfor the Cuban soldiers. His mother sold all her jewels, that shemight help, too. But they had to do this secretly, of course. If theSpaniards had discovered it, they might have lost their lives. Thisboy's name was Blanco. He was a fine, manly fellow, and was lookingforward now to coming to America.
"I shall go to Harvard College," he told Maria. "I wish to be aminister, but I'm afraid if I do become one, I shall not feel likepraying for the Spaniards."
The boy's heart was still bitter, but perhaps he will feel more kindlywhen he grows older.
One day he took his young friends out to Morro Castle. Havana has ahill fortress of that name, as well as Santiago. Although Hobson andhis men had never been imprisoned in this one, yet the Diaz childrenwere glad to see it.
It stood on a rocky point reaching into the sea. The great guns werestill pointing out between the masses of yellow stone. But they weresilent. The American flag was waving and peace ruled in the land,although soldiers were on guard here and all through the city.
"THE AMERICAN FLAG WAS WAVING AND PEACE RULED IN THELAND"]
At the far end of the fortress was a tall lighthouse. It stood like asentinel to stand watch against possible danger. Once upon a time awall reached from the great fort in both directions around the city ofHavana. But now there was scarcely a trace of it left.
"How narrow and dirty the streets are," said Maria as they left theMorro. "I must say I would rather live in the country, if I couldchoose for myself."
"It doesn't matter so much about the width of the streets," saidBlanco, "or the poor sidewalks, either. Because, you know, we almostalways ride. The working people are the ones who walk. But I do notlike the dirt. That is all the fault of the Spaniards. They taxed usenough, but they kept the money for themselves.
"Last summer I was very sick with yellow fever. Mother thought I wouldnot get well. She said she believed we had so much of this dreadfuldisease because the city is allowed to be so unclean.
"But look quickly at that Punch and Judy show! Let's stop and watch it.There is a man playing the harp to make it more entertaining."
The children leaned out of the carriage to see the show. Isabella hadnever seen Punch and Judy before, and she was greatly delighted. In afew minutes they moved on, but soon stopped again, for here stood aman turning a hand-organ with a monkey beside him dressed in a mostridiculous little suit of clothes. The monkey was dancing to the music.Suddenly he gave a spring and landed in the carriage right in Maria'slap.
Off came the monkey's cap into his little hands, and with the mostsolemn look it was held up to each of the children in turn.
"Take that, you poor little beggar," said Ramon as he put a silver coininto the cap. Down jumped the monkey and off he scampered to his master.
There were many odd sights for the little country cousins. Among themwere Chinese peddlers showing the pretty ornaments which had beenbrought across the ocean. Once the children passed a cow that was beingled home after her morning's work. She had gone with her master fromhouse to house, stopping long enough at each place for her to give asmuch milk as the people wished.
The cow was followed by a man leading a long train of mules. They wereladen with empty baskets. They, too, were going home, as they had lefttheir loads at the markets in the city.
The sun was quite hot and the party hurried home to rest during thenoon hours, for, of course, every one took a nap at this time of theday. They might not all lie down; perhaps some of those who had storesin the busy part of the city would not leave their places of business;they might only lean back and doze in their chairs; but they wouldcertainly keep quiet and close their eyes, if nothing more. It made onethink of the story of the "Sleeping Beauty" to see Havana at twelveo'clock, noon, in the summer season.
As for Maria, the dainty maiden quite enjoyed her rest at the greatcity house. She could lie very comfortably in a hammock while a littlenegro girl kept off the flies and mosquitoes with a big fan. She neededthe nap in the city more than at home because she was awakened so earlyby the bells.
Perhaps the children enjoyed Sunday more than any other day duringtheir stay in the city, for it was then that they visited thecathedral containing the tomb of Columbus. There were many churches andgrand buildings in Havana, but none could interest the children likethis.
It was not very far from the house, but they all went in the carriage,carrying with them the mats to kneel on during the service. It was agrand old stone building, overgrown with moss. There were many bells inthe two high towers. They were pealing loudly as the party drove up.
"Just think how old it is," whispered Maria to her brother as theyentered the building. "Blanco says that some of the bells were broughtfrom Spain more than two hundred years ago. Do look at the beautifulmarble pillars, Isabella. Isn't it a grand place?"
It was not yet time for the service to begin, so Blanco led thechildren to the tomb of Columbus, where his ashes had rested for somany years. It was at the right of the high altar. All that could beseen was a marble tablet about seven feet square. Above it stood a bustof the great discoverer.
"They say that Spain has asked the right to have the ashes, and Americais going to let her take them. But we shall still have the tomb and thegrand old cathedral where they have rested so long," said Blanco.
"Now come and admire the altar."
It stood on pillars of porphyry and was fairly covered withcandlesticks, images, and gaudy decorations. Somehow they did not gowell with the simple beauty of the rest of the church. But the childrenadmired it, for they were ready to admire everything.
When the service was over, they drove out by the governor-general'spalace. It was his no longer, however. The American general who hadcharge of the city lived here now. No doubt he enjoyed the beautifulgardens and ponds. He was very active in improving the city. Yes, thework had already begun, and in a few months Maria would no longer beable to complain of the dirt in Havana.
She could say again, but with a different thought in her busy littlemind, "To-morrow is another day."
Yes, although it is but a short time since Maria's visit to Havana,even now everything is changed in the Diaz family. The good father nolonger worries; he is fast getting to be a strong, healthy man. He hasa fine position under the new government, and Maria lives in a newhome just outside the city of Havana. She is rapidly learning to speakEnglish, while one of her dearest friends is a little American girl whohas lately made her home in Cuba.
THE END.
THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES
By MARY HAZELTON WADE
FIRST SERIES
These are the most interesting and delightful accounts possible ofchild-life in other lands, filled with quaint sayings, doings, andadventures. The "Little Japanese Cousin," with her toys in her widesleeve and her tiny bag of paper handkerchiefs; the "Little BrownCousin," in whose home the leaves
of the breadfruit-tree serve forplates and the halves of the cocoanut shells for cups; the "LittleIndian Cousin," who lives the free life of the forest, and the "LittleRussian Cousin," who dwells by the wintry Neva, are truly fascinatingcharacters to the little cousins who will read about them.
Four volumes, as follows:
=Our Little Japanese Cousin= =Our Little Brown Cousin= =Our Little Indian Cousin= =Our Little Russian Cousin=
Each 1 vol., 12mo, cloth decorative, with 6 full-page illustrations intints, by L. J. Bridgman.
Price, per volume $0.50 _net_ (postage extra) Price, per set, 4 vols., _boxed_ 2.00 _net_ (postage extra)
"Juveniles will get a whole world of pleasure and instruction out of Mary Hazelton Wade's Little Cousin Series.... Pleasing narratives give pictures of the little folk in the far-away lands in their duties and pleasures, showing their odd ways of playing, studying, their queer homes, clothes, and playthings.... The style of the stories is all that can be desired for entertainment, the author describing things in a very real and delightful fashion."--_Detroit News-Tribune._
THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES
By MARY HAZELTON WADE
SECOND SERIES
The great success and prompt appreciation which this charming littleseries met last season has led to its continuation this year with anew set of child characters from other lands, each as original anddelightful as the little foreign cousins with whom the little cousinsat home became acquainted in last season's series.
Six volumes, as follows:
=Our Little Cuban Cousin= =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin= =Our Little Eskimo Cousin= =Our Little Philippine Cousin= =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin= =Our Little African Cousin=
Each 1 vol., 12mo, cloth decorative, with 6 full-page illustrations intints by L. J. Bridgman.
Price, per volume $0.50 _net_ (postage extra) Price, per set, 6 vols., boxed 3.00 _net_ (postage extra)
"Boys and girls, reading the tales of these little cousins in different parts of the world, will gain considerable knowledge of geography and the queer customs that are followed among strange people."--_Chicago Evening Post._
"Not only are the books interesting, but they are entertainingly instructive as well, and when entertainment can sugar-coat instruction, the book is one usually well worth placing in the hands of those to whom the knowledge will be useful."--_Utica Observer._
"To many youthful minds this little series of books may open up the possibilities of a foreign world to which they had been total strangers. And interest in this wider sphere, the beyond and awayness, may bear rich fruit in the future."--_N. Y. Commercial Advertiser._
COSY CORNER SERIES
It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain only the very highest and purest literature,--stories that shall not only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows,--stories that shall be most particularly adapted for reading aloud in the family circle.
The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and each volume has a separate attractive cover design.
Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth $0.50
_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
=The Little Colonel.=
The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a smallgirl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fanciedresemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate andold family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be thegrandfather of the child.
=The Giant Scissors.=
This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,--thewonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her littleplaymate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumesshares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the"Holidays."
=Two Little Knights of Kentucky=,
WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, butwith added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure ofthe story, that place being taken by the "two little knights," Malcolmand Keith, little Southern aristocrats, whose chivalrous natures leadthem through a series of interesting adventures.
=Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learnof the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author'ssympathetic and entertaining manner.
=Big Brother.=
A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a smallboy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathosand beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.
=Ole Mammy's Torment.=
"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southernlife." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tellshow he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
=The Story of Dago.=
In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and theaccount of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
_By EDITH ROBINSON_
=A Little Puritan's First Christmas:=
A STORY OF COLONIAL TIMES IN BOSTON.
A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was inventedby Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her"unregenerate" brother, Sam.
=A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotationfrom her introduction, as follows:
"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendationis another ride,--untold in verse or story, its records preserved onlyin family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was noless historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."
=A Loyal Little Maid.=
A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which thechild heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to GeorgeWashington and Alexander Hamilton, and in the end becomes the wife ofthe latter.
=A Little Puritan Rebel.=
Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," thisis another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when thegallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
=A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement atCharlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list offavorites so well known to the young people in "A Little PuritanRebel," etc.
_By OUIDA (Louise de la Ramee)_
=A Dog of Flanders:= A CHRISTMAS STORY.
Too well and favorably known to require description.
=The Nuernberg Stove.=
This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
=A Provence Rose.=
A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.
=Findelkind.=
A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.
_By MISS MULOCK_
=The Little Lame Prince.=
A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means ofthe magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
=Adventures of a Brownie.=
The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but isa constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
=His Little Mother.=
Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source ofdelight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractivedress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
=Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
An attractive story of a summer outing.
"Little Sunshine" is anotherof those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justlyfamous.
_By JULIANA HORATIA EWING_
=Jackanapes.=
A new edition, with new illustrations, of this exquisite and touchingstory, dear alike to young and old.
=Story of a Short Life.=
This beautiful and pathetic story will never grow old. It is a part ofthe world's literature, and will never die.
=A Great Emergency.=
How a family of children prepared for a great emergency, and how theyacted when the emergency came.
=The Trinity Flower.=
In this little volume are collected three of Mrs. Ewing's best shortstories for the young people.
=Madam Liberality.=
From her cradle up Madam Liberality found her chief delight in giving.
_By FRANCES MARGARET FOX_
=The Little Giant's Neighbors.=
A charming nature story of a "little giant" whose neighbors were thecreatures of the field and garden.
=Farmer Brown and the Birds.=
A little story which teaches children that the birds are man's bestfriends. Miss Fox has an intimate knowledge of bird life and haswritten a little book which should take rank with "Black Beauty" and"Beautiful Joe."
=Betty of Old Mackinaw.=
A charming story of child-life, appealing especially to the littlereaders who like stories of "real people."