CHAPTER V.

GERONA THE BEAUTIFUL.

A Gerona senora--Grace and charm--Lord of creation--Morning greeting--Arcades and ancient houses--Conscription--Gerona a discovery--Streets of steps--Ancient eaves and rare ironwork--Old-world corner--Desecrated church--Gothic cloisters--Ghosts of the past--Visions of to-day--Soldiers interested--"Happy as kings"--Lingerings--Colonel seeks explanation--No lover of antiquity--More conscription--Dramatic scene--Pedro to the rescue--Mother and son--Sad story--Strong and merciful--Pedro grateful--Restricted interests--Colonel becomes impenetrable again 58