Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/59

Rh with books and pens, stand behind the counters and drawers; and bustle, eagerness, and anxiety are observable everywhere.

If we could examine some of the bundles and boxes in those private cells, we should see an abundance of splendid apparel: the richly embroidered lace mantilla of the haughty dame, and the expensively wrought serape of the cavalier; the magnificently brocaded dress and spangled tippet, beside the bordered jaceti and slashed pantaloons of the fashionable horseman. Chased silver spurs and stirrups, massive boots, richly-adorned saddles and bridles, are huddled together in the greatest confusion. Of gold trinkets and precious stones, there is a large assortment; for the ladies of Mexico are unrivalled in the exhibition of jewellery on their persons, and they are continually either purchasing, exchanging, or pawning them:—diamond necklaces and ear-drops; magnificent stomachers and bracelets, in oriental profusion; caskets of gems, gold chains, emerald frontlets, pearl bandeaux, ruby and gold rings, costly fringes and inlayings, gilt boxes, and jewelled purses, all abound.

Arms and accoutrements are in great variety: long Toledo swords in chased sheaths