Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/51

Rh coloured awnings there are groups of Mexican ladies, of all ages, their handsome features and beaming eyes intent upon the oddities of the scene before them. The elder ladies are most dazzling in point of dress, in their magnificently embroidered, flowered, and laced mantillas, rebosos of all the colours of the rainbow, jewelled zones, gold bracelets, and resplendent necklaces.

On the azotea, or flat roof, of a commodious mansion, are grouped the noble owner and his family, who have come to gaze at the festivities from a secure distance. The lady's father—an aged man—reclines on an easy couch, whence he can enjoy a view of the motley throngs and rich sunshine; the lady herself is in attendance upon him, the children are in raptures with the scene, and their father is making himself agreeable to all. What a happy family party it appears to be! But the father must be careful of those two youngest children, or in their ecstacies of delight, they will precipitate themselves over the parapet, and fall among the busy crowds below.

These Mexican ferias have occasionally been fiercely interrupted; and have sometimes become scenes of the most unexpected and