Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/55

 Rh of the repast, during the latter part of which the men—but not the ladies—smoke cigars or cigarettes. There is a common fallacy current that Mexican and Spanish-American ladies smoke both en famille and at public functions. Ladies of the best class in Mexico do not smoke as a rule, or, if they do, they enjoy the weed in strict privacy. Women smokers in Mexico are usually those of the lower middle class.

A day in the life of a Mexican family much resembles that spent by one belonging to any of the Latin races of Europe. The desayuno, or first breakfast, consists simply of coffee or chocolate, taken soon after rising. Equestrian exercise may follow or correspondence may be attended to, after which comes the breakfast proper, served between 9 and 12, and much resembling the French déjeuner à la fourchette. Professional or other duties occupy the time until 4 or 6, when dinner is served. Supper follows at 8, after which come chocolate and cigars. The wealthy eat much and often, the poor scarcely sufficient to maintain life.

Some very antiquated social customs still obtain. Thus in all reception rooms, and even in public offices, there is a sofa with a rug in front of it, and chairs at either end. As in Germany, this is the seat of honour to which, on entering, the guest is ushered. On departing, he is accompanied by the host to the staircase—the drawing-room being usually on the second floor—and, when he descends, raises his hat to the ladies—a dreadful breach of etiquette according to British social standards.

Men taking leave of one another usually embrace, that is, they place their arms on each other's shoulders and pat each other on the back. Younger men generally kiss the hand of the elder, whom they invariably address as "Señor." Indeed, sons address their fathers by this title; and in all grades of society intense reverence is paid to age, authority and experience. No young fellow will advance an opinion before his elders, unless he is asked for it—a rare occurrence,