e light; they are dressed
in the gayest of gay colors; ponderous ornaments of gold, strongly
relieved by their dusk complexions, shed around them a rich barbaric
lustre. Not that they eschew adventitious means to blanch their
sun-shadowed tints. For days some of the senoras and senoritas have
worn a mask of a white clayey mixture to give them an ephemeral
whiteness for this occasion. Those who could procure nothing else have
worn a pasty vizard kneaded of common clay, to effect in some degree
a like result by protecting their faces from the sun and wind. Should
you visit New Mexico, and as you ride along slowly in the heat of
midday meet a senorita who gazes at you with a pair of jet black eyes
through a hideous, ghastly mask of mud or mortar, do not be frightened
from your accustomed propriety. The senorita is preparing her
_toilette de bal_.

The New Mexican women cannot be considered pretty, generally speaking.
In artistic symmetry of feature, in purity of complexion, they are
not to be compared with our countrywomen. These can bear the searching
light of day, when delicacy of detail can be distinguished and
appreciated. Those look their best in the artificial light of the
ball-room. There the blue-black hair, the brilliant black eyes, the
well-traced eyebrows, the magnificently white and regular teeth, the
richly-developed forms, produce a general effect before which our
blond and delicate beauties seem pale and _fades_. But the Mexican's
coarser skin--her _teint basane_--is too plainly visible in the light
of the sun: you should see her only by the lamps. It is doubtless
rather from an instinct of coquetry than from any other feeling that
in the day-time the Mexican women shroud their dusky traits in the
folds of their _rebosas_, leaving only one pilot eye to look upon the
outer world.

No introductions are necessary at the public bailes. Saunter around
the room, inspect the show of expectant partners, and when you see one
who suits your fancy ask her to dance, without more ado. If she be not
engaged she will at once accept your proffered arm. She will not
say anything. Ten to one she will not breathe a syllable during your
evolutions. Conversation is not the forte of the senoritas. But she
will smile and smile, and you will have no reason to complain of her
waltzing. The Mexican _caballero_, when he seeks a partner, will
not put himself out so far as to have any words about it. He merely
beckons the chosen one,