CHAPTER VIII
MY LONELY RIDE TO RIO
(1867)
The day of my delight is the day when you draw near,
And the day of mine affright is the day you turn away,
Alf Laylah wa Laylah
(Burton's "Arabian Nights").
ON Sunday, August 25, we had a sad dinner at the Casa Grande at midday, on account of the breaking up our little party, which had been so pleasant off and on for the past two months. We should probably never meet again. I bade Mrs. Gordon farewell, and at 3.30 a considerable cavalcade set out from Mr. Gordon's hospitable door. I had to pass through the village of Morro Velho. There appeared many a waving handkerchief, and I received many a warm handshake and "God-speed."
At the top of the village hill I turned to take a last grateful farewell of valley, church, and village—the little colony, with its white settlements and pretty bungalows, where I had passed so many pleasant days. We rode along one of the beautiful roads, which I have before described, for about six miles, often silent or trying to
make cheerful remarks. Mr. Gordon accompanied me.
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