DAWN AND THE DONS 134
leros, troops of laughing children, and the touch of divine comradery over all.” Great stress was laid on family connections, with reverence for the founders of the province, and for all others in authority, while
a
strong religious flavor permeated it all.
“At break of day, the tongues out a clear, silvery summons for all souls to arise and worship.” The earliest service was for the laborers, and following this, mass was said hourly throughout the morning. For the most part, the women were the daily church-goers, once a week being deemed sufficient for the men. Spanish etiquette required that each lady be attended by her servant, who carried an embroidered rug for her use. As there were no seats in the church, these rugs were an indispensable part of the lady’s belongings; even the poorer members of the congregation
