Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/123

Rh and families on the subject of jewels and apparel. One of the most superb dresses belonged to a juvenile Señorita, the only daughter of a General: it was of dark crimson velvety embroidered with white satin flowers; the corsage ornamented with silver clasps, and the whole edged with the finest white lace; an under-petticoat, also trimmed with lace, appearing below it. She also wore a blue silk sash tied behind; a mantilla of fine blonde, studded with diamonds; diamond ear-rings, and a necklace of pearls and diamonds.

Another lady wore a dress in some degree resembling that of a peasant on holidays, which was exceedingly graceful: a satin vest, embroidered with gold, was worn open, shewing in front a fine lace chemisette; a muslin handkerchief, fringed with gold, covered the neck; and a petticoat of dark purple silk, trimmed with lace and embroidered with gold, contrasted with another petticoat beneath, of a lighter hue, adorned with coloured bows. Others appeared in black and dark-blue robes of blonde, with satin under-dresses, short sleeves, mantillas fastened with diamond brooches, pearl necklaces, and white, and pink-and-white satin shoes.