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CH. XIX.]
TO GUATEMALA.
273

ing out for employment, in some domestic meeting for the remainder of the evening. On entering the gateway of the court yard, I stumbled against a carriage: it was without horses, and the only carriage, not only at the rout I was attending, but, I believe, in all the town. Why it stood there, I do not know, for it was very wide and large, and almost filled up the gateway. I found that it constantly stood there, and, indeed, seemed always ready to be going out, but, like some rich and noble specimen of cabinet work, reflecting credit and honour on the proprietor, it had become stationary, and maintained its place for the purpose, I conclude, of supporting the dignity of the establishment.

Upon entering the grand sala, it presented a very animating spectacle: the sconces on the sides of the walls were all lighted with as many candles as they could hold, which were at least a dozen; the two bedsteads had been removed; there was great bustling amongst the servants,