CHAPTER VI. 



SOCIETY. 



INTRODUCTION OP STRANGERS. VISITS. DRESS. EVENING TERTULIAS. GOSSIP. NONE MOLEST LADIES IN THE STREET 

 AFTER NIGHT. COURTSHIPS. FORCED MARRIAGES. A MARRIAGE. BIRTHS. A CHRISTENING. SOCIAL EDUCATION 

 OF CHILDREN. GIRLS. BOYS. NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS. DEATH. A FUNERAL. VISITS OF CONDOLENCE. 



Though letters of introduction are not absolutely indispensable to obtain for one access to the 

 first circles of society, still, as in every other country, they greatly facilitate the intercourse of 

 a stranger at the capital, whether he come from abroad or from one of the provinces. If he 

 has no letters, there is a degree of form observed in his presentation, even among most intimate 

 friends ; no one presuming to introduce a chance acquaintance without first ascertaining whether 

 it will be agreeable, and asking that an hour be named for his reception. On arrival, one is 

 welcomed by the host, in the courtly style of his ancestors, who "celebrates greatly acquaint- 

 ance with you," and, when about to make your conge, after a reasonable time, you are assured 

 that "the house, and all it contains, are wholly at your service." Very pretty phrases these in 

 that sonorous language, and, though one may surmise them really meaningless, they are very 

 pleasant to hear. 



If the stranger has neither letters nor acquaintances, and awaits courtesy from the male resi- 

 dents, it is probable he will lead a solitary life at Santiago, for this virtue is yet in its infancy 

 among them. Indeed, gentlemen rarely make more than one or two visits to strangers who do 

 bring letters to them, but consider their obligations fulfilled when these ceremonious calls have 

 been made, and the new comer has been presented at the tertulia of his wife and daughters. 

 Their habits and dispositions make them averse to intercourse with foreigners generally, of 

 whom they are undoubtedly jealous, as well because of the superior education, intelligence, and 

 energy of the latter, as on account of the preference which their countrywomen exhibit for their 

 society. Of course, there are many individuals not to be numbered with these gentlemen who 

 appreciate the customs of the Old World, and seek opportunities to exercise kindness and hospi- 

 tality to those whose position or deportment indicate them as entitled to such attentions. It is 

 a source of regret, however, for one to confess, that nearly every member of this class has passed 

 years abroad, either in travel or at school. Whether the custom has arisen from the indiffer- 

 ence shown by their husbands and relations towards strangers, or other causes, cannot be 

 very readily ascertained ; but there are many ladies in the highest circles who endeavor to 

 make amends for this want of attention by sending their own cards as soon as it is ascertained 

 that the new comer is worthy to mix in their society. It is also quite customary for a husband 

 to leave the wife's card, with his own, at the first visit of ceremony, thus showing a desire to 

 have you become acquainted with his family. 



From 2 o'clock until 4 P. M. of Sunday is the most fashionable period for visits. Every 

 one is prepared to receive company at that time, and, though the proprietress may not contem- 

 plate going beyond the square in which she resides, the carriage, which cumbers its house all 

 the rest of the week, must be dragged out on these occasions. In the cool hours of other even- 

 ings during the week, she will probably ramble over half the town on foot ; but it is fashionable 

 to appear in the calesa on Sunday, and out it must come, even though one borrow a driver from 

 a neighbor. Visits of ceremony and compliment are common among acquaintances, and per- 

 missible by strangers, at the hour of oration also, that is, just at dusk; whilst those intended 



