tas_ (grains of maize), quince, and banana.
The meat was brought in on one dish and the vegetables on another, and
they were afterwards mixed to suit our individual tastes.

At the same time a dish of _picante_ was served. It was composed of
dried meat and some pounded roots, highly seasoned with cayenne pepper,
and coloured with grains of the _achote_, which gave it a brilliant
vermilion tint. After the meat, a sort of pudding was brought in,
consisting of a great variety of fruits stewed in water,--a dish I
cannot praise; and then followed a dessert of delicious fresh fruits and
sweet cakes, which were washed down by a tumbler of fresh water. Such
is the usual dinner of a gentleman's family in Lima. A little light
sweet wine was the only liquor drunk, though in compliment to the
supposed taste of our countrymen, strong wine, brandy, and other spirits
were placed before us. After dinner the servant brought in a piece of
lighted charcoal and a tray of cigars, which the men and the elder
ladies smoked with much apparent relish; but my three fair friends
declined using them.

I soon became perfectly intimate with these young ladies. They were
troubled with no tiresome bashfulness to keep them silent, and they were
full of life and spirits; so we rattled away in conversation in the most
agreeable manner, till it was announced that some guests had arrived,
and were waiting in the _sala_ to commence dancing. Musicians appeared,
and, with much spirit, boleros, fandangos, and cachuchas, and other
dances, well-known in Old Spain, were commenced and kept up for some
hours. As we were in the height of the amusement, the cathedral bell
struck three slow measured sounds, the signal of the _Oration_. It was
repeated by the belfries of all the churches in the city. Instantly, as
if by magic, every movement was suspended. Each one said the evening
prayer in a low whisper, and then made the sign of the cross; those of
most consequence turning to the persons near them, uttering the words
_buenas noches_ (good night), which was repeated by all present. It is
a simple but beautiful custom, and is intended to remind people of their
duty to God in whatever occupation they may be engaged. It may often do
good; but unless people are possessed of the true spirit of piety,
custom will make them callous, and it will fail to have any beneficial
effect.

I have observed this custom in many other Roman Catholic countries. In
a publ