12 



MADEIRA. 



the interregnum of governors. Captain Bertrand 

 acted as chief himself, and the dinner was 

 expressly to him. Among the guests was a 

 lieutenant on board the frigate, who is a natural 

 son of Don Pedro, and very like him. There 

 were about thirty persons assembled, and every 

 body talked very loud, and drank a great deal 

 of Madeira, which was accompanied by constant 

 toasts, and roars of nine times nine, shouted 

 out with a vehemence I never witnessed any 

 where else. On endeavouring, after dinner, to 

 effect our escape before the rest of the party 

 had begun to move, we encountered, in a long 

 room through which we had to pass, a whole 

 bevy of dark-eyed Madeira ladies. 



In spite of their attractions, we felt no desire 

 to abandon our intention of retiring ; but there 

 was no choice, and we were obliged to remain 

 for some time, waiting and watching some 



