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THE STREETS AT EVENING.
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CHAPTER VII.
A TERTULIA, OR EVENING PARTY.
The streets at evening.—Mexican cries.—Grand saloon arranged for a party.—Ceremonies of salutation and introduction.—Superb costumes of the guests.—Bishop and priests.—A blonde beauty.—Mexican belles.—A vocal performance.—Music and dances.—Cards and forfeits.—Mexican carvings of the Nativity and Life of Christ.—A bishop's soliloquy—His account of the ancient worship of Mexico.—Party breaking up.
Having received a card of invitation to a tertulia, or evening party, to be held at the house of my friends Señor Tirenza and lady, in the "Calle de Francisco," City of Mexico, I set out on my way thither about dusk, and on foot.
Few things are considered more vulgar in Mexico than walking in the streets; carriage travelling, even for short distances, being the arbitrary rule; yet, on the evening in question, my unfashionable transit was more entertaining than it would otherwise have been. Many shops were closing, their owners standing with arms a-kimbo at the doors, smoking their never-
