Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/440



 Havana — The carnival — The Elssler — La Angosta — Ingenio of Count Va — General Bustamante — Lord Morpeth — Leave Havana — Voyage in the Medway — Old friends — Return to the United States.

27th February.

has been very agreeable for us to return here as private individuals, and to receive the same attentions as when we came in a public situation, but now with more real friendliness. Having arrived at the time of the carnival, we have been in the midst of masked balls, which are curious to see for once; of operas, dinners, and every species of gaiety. But returning so soon, I shall enter into no details. The weather is beautiful, and this house, situated on the bay, receives every sea-breeze as it blows. The Elssler is still attracting immense and enthusiastic crowds; and is now dancing in the theatre of Tacon, where she is seen to much more advantage than in the other. We have been breakfasting in the luxurious Quintas in the neighborhood, driving in the Paseo every evening in an open volante, attending the opera; in short, leading so gay a life, that a little rest in the country will be agreeable; — and we have accepted with pleasure the invitation of Count and