Shortridge, sleepy as
she was, to do so too; then, giving them to understand that there was
nothing more to be seen, politely turned them out of the room, that
she might make more profitable use of the remaining hours of the
night. A chamber and bed were found for L'Isle, but Moodie and the
servants had no better accommodations than mats spread on the floor of
the larger room. They had no sooner lain down than the rats overhead
commenced their gambols, racing each other over the reeds which laid
on the joists, formed the only ceiling to the room. Their gymnastic
sports brought down showers of dust and soot on the would-be sleepers
below, who were already beset by certain rejoicing tribes, which
seized the occasion to hold their carnival.
The whole household were afoot early next morning and, while waiting
for breakfast, Lady Mabel took the opportunity to survey the
premises. Cleanliness is not essential to Portuguese comfort; but,
within the house, there was not the squalor and poverty which here
usually characterises the peasant's home. Without, a small orchard,
and one narrow field, a few goats, and two or three stout asses,
seemed to comprise the farmer's possessions.
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