t.

The serious business of the day being over, the negroes and negresses
set to work to dance; and though I cannot speak much of the grace they
exhibited, I never saw any human beings frisk and jump about with so
much agility. Who would have thought they were for the most part
slaves, groaning under their chains? Never did dancers enter more
thoroughly into the spirit of dancing. The black beaus did not waste
their time in talking or doing the amiable to their sable partners; nor
did the latter seem to expect any such attention--they came to dance,
and their great aim seemed to be to get through as much of it as the
time would allow. As I looked on I could scarcely refrain from rushing
into the sable throng, and joining them in their frisks and jumps;
though I dare say, had I done so they would have considered me a very
contemptible performer. At length the Queen's chamberlain clapped his
hands, and gave notice that the court must break up, as her majesty was
desirous of retiring to attend to her duties in putting to bed the
children of her mistress to whom she was nurse. The bearers of her
palanquin came forward, the Queen stepped into it, the sceptre-bearer
marched before it, the band struck up their loudest tune, the people
shouted till they were hoarse, and the procession returned in due state
to old Mama Rosa's abode; where, like Cinderella when the clock had
struck twelve, she was again converted into the old negro nurse.

I give but a very brief account of our return journey, which commenced
the next day, just in time to avoid the ill effects of an earthquake
which gave Lima a fearful shaking, we being, when it took place, in the
open country. For the latter part of our journey we rode on in perfect
silence. Ithulpo seemed as well acquainted with the road as I was. By
degrees the valley opened out, and the white walls of our house became
visible. With beating hearts we ascended the mountain. We reached the
court-yard and leaped from our horses. Well-known voices greeted us.
My mother rushed out, my brothers and sisters followed. All, though
becoming very anxious for our return, were well and in safety. Jose had
returned just before, but nothing would induce him to say what had
occurred to him. He asserted that he had been left behind by us from
his own wish, through illness, and that he was only just sufficiently
recovered to perform the journey home. Ithulpo declared his intention
of remaining