Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/129

Rh to me with the compliments of a lady whom I do not know, the wife of General; with a request, that if I should go to the Fancy ball as a Poblana peasant, I may wear this costume. It is a Poblana dress, and very superb; consisting of a petticoat of maroon colored merino with gold fringe, gold bands and spangles; an under petticoat embroidered and trimmed with rich lace, to come below it. The first petticoat is trimmed with gold up the sides, which are slit open, and tied up with colored ribbon. With this must be worn a chemise, richly embroidered round the neck and sleeves, and trimmed with lace; a satin vest, open in front, and embroidered in gold; a silk sash tied behind, the ends fringed with gold, and a small silk handkerchief which crosses the neck, with gold fringe. I had already another dress prepared, but I think this is the handsomer of the two.

The actors have just called to inform Cn, that their "funcion extraordinaria" in his honor, is to be given on the third, that a box is prepared for us, and that the play is to be Don John of Austria.

4th.—Having sat through five acts last evening in the theatre, we came home very tired. The play was awfully long, lasting from eight o'clock till one in the morning. At the end of the first act, the Prefect and other dignitaries came round with much precipitation and carried off Cn to a large box in the centre, intended for him; for not knowing which it was, we had gone to that of the Countess Ca. The