Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/147

Rh I have received a packet of letters which have done me more good than the old doctor's visits. The captain left us yesterday, and took charge of a box of chocolate stamped with various figures, and of some curious dulces for you. Our cards, giving the Mexicans the tardy information of our arrival, were sent out some days ago. I copy one, that you may have a specimen of the style, which looks for all the world like that of a shop-advertisement, purporting that Don makes wigs, dresses hair, and so forth, while Dona washes lace, and does up fine linen.

"Don A C de la B, Enviado Extraordinario y Ministro Plenipotenciario de S. M. C. cerca de la Republica Mexicana; y su Esposa, Doña F E C de la B; Participan á v su Llegada a este Capital, y se ofrecen a su disposicion, en la Plazuela de Buenavista, No. 2."

18th.—For these last few days, our rooms have been filled with visiters, and my eyes are scarcely yet accustomed to the display of diamonds and pearls, silks, satins, blondes and velvets, in which the ladies have paid their first visits of etiquette. A few of the dresses I shall record for your benefit, not as being richer than the others, but that I happen to recollect them best.—The Marquesa de San Roman, an old lady who has travelled a great deal in Europe, and is