NOTICES OF CHILE. 



137 



seat to me, but I preferred sitting near Dofia Paulita,* even had 

 I been previously initiated into the mysteries of " brisca." The 

 Canonigo established the forfeit to be, that whoever lost, should 

 be obliged to make a number of faces and grimaces for the di- 

 version of the company. He was the first to lose, and paid in 

 some very droll and whimsical changes of countenance, which 

 would have been creditable even to a man of lighter profession 

 than that of a Catholic priest. As mirth and amusement were 

 the object of the game, this mode of gambling, without dimi- 

 nishing the weight of the purse, did less injury to the better 

 feelings of the heart, than betting gold, while it ensured a hearty 

 laugh, both to winners and losers. 



After some time. Dona Paulita said, " you did not come to 

 dine to day. We waited from four till near six o'clock" — 

 Yes," interrupted the canonigo, <Uhe second course was 

 eaten by candle light, and what was worse, nearly cold !" 



I was surprised to learn that I had been expected. I had 

 received, the day before, an invitation to walk in the Alameda 

 after dinner, but I did not go, in consequence of the afternoon 

 being disagreeably cold and rainy. My explanation was re- 

 ceived, and the can6nigo chided Dona Paulita for not having 

 been more particular in her invitation. Dona Xavi6ra was not 

 present, because, as the daughter told me, <<tuvo dolores de 

 barriga," and had laid down. 



Tea and mate were brought. Several mat6s were circulating 

 at the same time. The canonigo and cousin took theirs while 

 playing the game. It is droll to see a pretty young lady suck- 

 ing mate through a silver bombilla, hot enough to burn the lips 

 of those ignorant of the mode of taking it. 



At eight o'clock the fat friar took his leave, and the old lady 

 assisted Dona Paulita in the game with her advice. The ca- 

 n6nigo made a move as if to depart, evidently with a wish to 

 remain. Do not go. Padre," exclaimed the young lady, 

 " omit the ^ misa' of to-night, and say two to-morrow instead." 

 The holy man assented, and resumed the game. The evening 

 passed away gaily, and at eleven, I bade my friends good night. 



* Paulita is the diminutive and kinder term for Paula. 

 18 



