222 



MEXICO. 



really takes place in the world ; and we must look 

 for an explanation of the fact in the genuine 

 goodness of the Spanish character^ which^ though 

 overlaid and cruslied down by a series of politi- 

 cal and moral degradations, is still essentially ex- 

 cellent, and worthy of a far better destiny. 



The cottage in which the entertainment was 

 given stood on the wooded bank of the river on 

 the north side of the town ; and, though not ten 

 minutes walk from the market-place, had all the 

 appearance of being far in the country — such is 

 the promptitude and luxuriance with which ve- 

 getation starts up in these happy climates. 



As we approached the spot, we observed a 

 number of people in their best dresses, seated on 

 the grass round the house : they rose as we en- 

 tered the court, where the master and mistress 

 were standing ready to receive us. The former, 

 who, it seemed, was the padrino, or person who 

 gave away the bride, was the giver of the feast. 

 In the room to which we were shown, a dinner- 

 table was laid out for eight or ten people. The 

 bride and her mother, with several female rela- 

 tions, were seated at the upper end of the apart- 



