CHARLES WILKES. 343 



tage, and, however fitted it may be to cover intrigue, 

 is not, certainly, adapted to the display of beauty. 

 A more awkward and absurd dress cannot well be 

 conceived. It is by no means indicative of the 

 wearer's rank, for frequently this disguise is ragged 

 and tattered, and assumed under its most forbid- 

 ding aspect to deceive, or carry on an intrigue, of 

 which it is almost an effectual cloak. 



"I never could behold these dresses without con- 

 sidering them as an emblem of the wretched con- 

 dition of domestic society in this far-famed city. 



" The saya and manto were originally intended as 

 a retiring, modest dress, to mark reserve, to insure 

 seclusion, and to enable ladies to go abroad without 

 an escort. The general term for the wearers is 

 tapada ; and they were always held sacred from in- 

 sult. Tapada is likewise applied to a dress which 

 is also frequently seen, viz. : a shawl worn over the 

 head, so as to cover the nose, mouth, and forehead. 

 None but the most intimate friend can know the 

 wearers, who frequent the theatres in this disguise. 

 It is to be regretted that it is now worn for very 

 different purposes from its original intention. In- 

 trigues of all kinds are said to be carried on under 

 it. It enables the wearer to mix in all societies, 

 and to frequent any place of amusement, without 

 being known ; and, even if suspected by her husband 



