Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/175

Rh Here, as in Spain, a lady, after her marriage, retains her maiden name; and though she adds to it that of her husband, she is more commonly known by her own.

From ignorance of another Mexican custom, I made rather an awkward blunder the other day, though I must observe, in my justification, that I had lately been in all the agonies of searching for servants, and had just filled all the necessary departments pretty much to my satisfaction. Therefore, when the porter of the Señora de brought me the compliments of his mistress, and that she begged to inform me that she had another servant at my disposal, (otra criada a mi disposicion,) I returned for answer, that I was greatly obliged, but had just hired a recamerera, (chambermaid). At this the man, stupid as he was, opened his great eyes with a slight expression of wonder. Fortunately, as he was turning away, I bethought me of inquiring after the Señora's health, and his reply, that "she and the baby were coming on very well," brought the truth suddenly before me, that the message was merely the etiquette used on informing the friends of the family of the birth of a child; a conviction which induced me slightly to alter the style of my answer. Experientia docet!