118 BOGOTA'. 



the invitation being for eight; and on en- 

 tering at the grand door-way, proceeded 

 up stairs, passing various guards stationed 

 at every turning. On reaching the anti- 

 room I found it entirely filled by a most 

 noisy band of musicians, in w^hich the drum 

 v^as very predominant, and by tapadas, 

 or ladies either not invited, or who had 

 declined attending the ball, from being too 

 poor to provide dresses sufficiently gay for 

 the occasion. These ladies enveloped their 

 heads in a large shawl, which they crossed 

 over their faces in order not to be known ; 

 and often amused themselves by speaking in 

 a feigned voice, exciting curiosity, but not 

 enabling you to find out who they were, 

 unless they chose to discover themselves. 

 At last I entered the ball-room, which I found 

 so crowded that there was scarcely room 

 for dancing. I immediately made my way 

 to the Vice-President, paid my respects, 

 and was then at liberty to do as I pleased 



