of a body of park-keepers dressed in full Andalusian costume. The hotel is placed on the very crest of the hill overlooking the magnificent range of snowy mountains to the right. To the left, the first thing which strikes the eye is the Torre de Justicia. Over the outer horse-shoe arch is carved an open hand, upon the meaning of which the learned are divided; some saying it is an emblem of the power of God, others a talisman against the Evil Eye. Over the inner arch is sculptured a key, which typified the power of the Prophet over the gates of heaven and hell. A double gate protects this entrance, which no donkey may pass: in the recess is a very beautiful little picture, filmed and glazed, of the Virgin and Child. Passing through this arch, you come to an open ’plaza,' out of which rise two towers; one has been bought by an Englishman, who has converted the lower part of it into his private residence. (Where shall we not find our ubiquitous countrymen?)[1] The other is
- ↑ This unexpected rencontre reminded one of our party of a similar surprise, some years ago, in the mountains of the Tyrol. She was riding with her husband, when they came on a very picturesque old ’schloss,' in an out-of-the-way gorge of a mountain pass. Stopping to look at it, and pushing open a half-open door in what appeared to be the only habitable part of the ruin, they came on a group of chubby-faced English children, sitting round a table in their white pinafores, eating an undeniable English tea; and were told by the nurse, in answer to their enquiries, that the present
