The usage of them of old still influences the condition
of the country and the term New Christian is yet a by-word common in
the mouths of people."
"We certainly see a great many Jewish faces among the Portuguese
Christians," said Mrs. Shortridge.
"So the great Marquis de Pombul thought," L'Isle answered; "for when a
great crowd had assembled to see him open a fountain he had erected in
Lisbon, on a courtier's saying, 'See, my Lord, like Moses, you make
water flow from the rock!' 'Yes,' replied the marquis, 'and here are
the Jews looking at me.'"
"And our host," said Mrs. Shortridge, "is doubtless one of these New
Christians."
"But has the commissary," Lady Mabel asked, "a right to make the
requisition with which he threatens him?"
"Not on his own authority," said L'Isle, laughing. "But these people
would well deserve that we should sweep off every mule and yoke of
oxen around Evora. Last year when we were collecting materials for the
siege of Badajoz, the ungrateful rascals would not send a single cart
to help us."
"Why, were we not fighting their battles?" Lady Mabel exclaimed.
"Would they not assist in their own defence?"
"Badajoz is not within sight of Evora, and that was enough for these
short-sighted patriots.
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