168 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



holy days, the price is double ; but this esta- 

 blishment paid so ill, at the time of our visit, 

 that its final close was announced from the 

 stage while we were present — so that the 

 capital of New Spain is now without any 

 dramatic entertainment. 



Of the audience I can say but little, in 

 consequence of the woful change that has 

 taken place among the inhabitants of this once 

 gay city. Not a tenth part of the house was 

 occupied ; and of those present but very few 

 were females, and they not dressed for the 

 occasion as in Europe, — wearing no or- 

 naments, with the exception of one young 

 lady of distinction, who had a plume of black 

 feathers in her head. Two or three Canton 

 crape shawls were the only coloured articles 

 of dress to be seen. With very few ex- * 

 ceptions, all present, of either sex, pursued 

 their favourite habit of smoking ; the ladies, 

 even in the boxes, with a fan in one hand and a 



