12 
MID-DAY REST* 
I noticed an English family who had come on 
shore from a passing vessel for the day, who 
really got almost nothing. They took a little 
rice and curry and a morsel of fowl, and pro- 
ceeded to discuss these leisurely, refusing with 
a surprised air the many dishes offered. They 
then wished some of the good things which 
others had partaken of, but they had all disap- 
peared into the courtyard towards the kitchens, 
and it was only on H/s intervention that they 
were served with some beefsteak. 
After this mid-day meal, all who are not forcet 
by business engagements to return to town retire 
to rest, and silence like night falls on the house. 
No one is seen stirring : even the servants fall 
asleep in corners until about 4 o’clock. Then 
tea is brought, and along the ** cottage ” row the 
scene of early morning is repeated. One after 
another appears with towel on arm proceeding 
to the bath-houses, and about half-past 5 all are 
ready in European toilet for an evening stroll 
or drive, previous to dinner at 7.30. It seems 
that the fashion so long prevalent of ladies 
going out at this hour in demi-toilct is passing 
away, bonnets and close dresses being now in 
vogue ; but many still hold to the old fashion, 
and the effect is rather pretty as they promen- 
