Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/31

Rh by all who reside in Eastern climes. After the enjoyment of this necessary luxury, he puts on his day suit, always of light texture on account of the heat, and generally white, and entering his carriage, is driven to his kantor, or house of business. If he is a wealthy citizen, he probably returns home at 12, at which hour the breakfast—as it is termed, though at mid-day—awaits him, consisting of all kinds of Eastern delicacies, rice, curry, and endless sambals, or small piquant side dishes. After this heavy meal, Morpheus waves his wand over Batavia, and all his votaries who can spare the time, retire to digest their food in a siesta of from two to three hours' duration.

Rising from this sleep, the first cry is Spada—a contraction for Sapa ada, "Who is there?"—which is immediately followed by Api—"light"—a demand promptly attended to by some boy, who, prepared for the summons, quickly appears with a cigar-box,