Explore "The Nine Guardians" by Rosario Castellanos on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
At noon they would begin preparations for the daily bathe. The hired boy saddled the animals: an old mule pensioned off long since from any more important or onerous tasks, and two quiet little donkeys. These would carry Zoraida, Mario, and the little girl from the big house, down to the river. The boy used to lead the way, tugging on the animals' halters. An Indian woman carried on her head the basket of towels and soap. Matilde dawdled behind, protecting herself from the strength of the sun with a broad-brimmed hat like a wheel.
They filed slowly past the huts, and not one kind word or greeting sped them on their way. The Indian women averted their eyes and put on a show of stupidity so as not to see them go.