Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/176

148 was rich; but grotesquely incongruous. A well-shaped table occupied the centre of the room; but its surface, though polished, was rough and uneven; a gilt frame-work surrounded the window, and a large mirror shone upon one of the walls, together with some rudely coloured pictures of the saints. A beautiful couch, with chairs and cushions, occupied the other side. There were a few books and richly gilt missals upon the table and on two shelves. Small gilt images were stationed here and there upon the walls; while large stone ones, awfully chiselled, were stowed into every corner.

Altogether, the establishment—judging from what I had seen of it—was one of the most rudely luxurious and magnificent in the city.

After waiting a most unreasonable time, the dignified and reverend ecclesiastic entered the apartment. He received me with marked favour and condescension: but as I neither bowed the knee, nor humbly requested his blessing in reply, his manner soon became more cold and distant. His look was restless and piercing; and the prevailing expression of his countenance, cunning and suspicious. His features were rather handsome than otherwise,