Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/36



 Havana aristocracy — Lucia de Lammermoor — La Rossi and Montresor — Brig of war — Countess de V a — Dinner at H  a's — Southerly winds — View from the balcony — Quinta of Count V  a — San Cristobal — Mass at San Felipe — Erard Harp — Dinner at General M  o's — A Dessert at Havana — Queen of Spain's birthday — Dinner at the Yntendencia — La Pantanelli — Theatre of Tacon — Railroad — Cure by lightning — Shops — Ball at the Countess F  a's — Last visit — Souvenirs.

15th. — We expected hospitality and a good reception, but certainly all our expectations have been surpassed, and the last few days have been spent in such a round of festivity, that not a moment has been left for writing. At home we have held a levee to all that is most distinguished in Havana. Counts, marquesses, and generals, with stars and crosses, have poured in and poured out ever since our arrival. I do not pretend to form any judgment of Havana. We have seen it too much en beau.

Last evening we found time to go to the theatre. The opera was "Lucia de Lammermoor." The prima donna, La Rossi, has a voice of much sweetness, sings correctly and with taste, is graceful in her movements, but sadly deficient in strength. Still she suits the character represented, and comes exactly up to my idea of poor Lucy, devoted and broken-hearted,