Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/175

Rh appeared blooming and handsome; and their demeanour was modest and dignified. The azotea was cool, and open only on one side: flowering shrubs were trained upon the wall; beautiful flowers in pots and vases were ranged around; and a small fountain played in the centre—its waters sparkling in the softened light, and imparting a welcome freshness to the spot. Besides chairs and seats, there were two crucifixes placed in separate corners; while several rudely-painted figures occupied allotted spaces at short intervals. The whole exhibited an air of luxury, almost approaching to elegance.

Crossing the azotea, my conductor showed me into an apartment on the opposite side, where I was left alone, to await the arrival of the reverend ecclesiastic. The room was expensively decorated, and, at first sight, very splendid; indeed, its effect would have been perfectly gratifying, were it not for numerous little indications of a semi-barbarous taste observable in the quality of the workmanship, and, occasionally, in the style of decoration. Some attempts at flower-painting were visible on the walls, but the colours were too crude and violent; and the pattern of the floor-cloth