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274 a large diamond fastening each plume. One lady wore a diadem which said could not be worth less than a hundred thousand dollars. Diamonds are always worn plain or with pearls; colored stones are considered trash, which is a pity, as I think rubies and emeralds set in diamonds would give more variety and splendor to their jewels. There were a profusion of large pearls, generally of a pear shape. The finest and roundest were those worn by the Señora Ba. There were many blonde dresses, a great fashion here. I know no lady without one. Amongst the prettiest and most tastefully dressed girls, were the Es, as usual. Many dresses were overloaded, a common fault in Mexico; and many of the dresses, though rich, were old-fashioned; but the coup d'œil was not the less brilliant, and it was somewhat astonishing, in such a multitude, not to see a single objectionable person. To be sure the company were all invited.

On entering the noble court, which was brilliantly illuminated with colored lamps hung from pillar to pillar, and passing up the great staircase, we were met at the first landing, by Mr. P in full uniform, and other English gentlemen, the directors of the ball, who stood there to receive the ladies. His Excellency led me up stairs to the top of the ballroom, where chairs were placed for the president, ladies of the diplomatics, cabinet ministers, &c. The music was excellent, and dancing was already in full force. And though there were assembled what is called all Mexico, the rooms are so large, that the crowd was not disagreeable, nor the heat oppressive.