Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/44

28 courtiers rather than those which deal with the realities of everyday existence.

Her chances of meeting suitable partis are rather limited. In the evenings she will seat herself at one of the barred windows of the paternal residence; and should she be sought by a lover, he signifies his desire to pay his addresses by passing and re-passing her dwelling on horseback, sometimes at a trot, at others at a furious gallop. If the youth be considered eligible, he is, after a while, admitted to the house, where, however, his converse with the object of his adoration is scrupulously superintended. He is now known as the lady's novio (fiancé), and marriage usually follows after what is considered a suitable season of courtship. But should the young people not "take to" one another after a reasonable period of acquaintanceship has elapsed, it is not regarded as a slight by either party should the other withdraw from the companionship.

The courtship period of a Mexican youth or maiden's life is assuredly the most romantic in his or her career. British people accustomed to absolute freedom between the sexes can scarcely comprehend the conditions prevailing in a community the female portion of which is so closely and jealously guarded as is the case in Latin-America. The Mexican lover considers no stratagem too novel or too extreme which will gain him access to the object of his devotion, who, on her part, if she be amenable, will practise every art to further his object and defeat the watchful parents, duennas, or servitors in charge of her. It is not uncommon for a Mexican suitor to disguise himself as a workman, a postman, or otherwise, so that he may have speech with his beloved or convey a written message to her; and even after parental consent has been given, the young people frequently put a romantic finish to their love story by an elaborate and theatrical elopement!

Once married and settled down, the Mexican woman's