Unofficial letters of an official's wife [by] Edith Moses.

AN OFFICIAL'S WIFE

invitations to a "modest " reception, but knew, of
course, that the "baile " would be the best the town
could afford. The city hall was elaborately decorated on our arrival and the main room was filled
with guests. There were all classes, including infants and maids; the latter crouched on the floor behind the chairs of their mistresses. There were
small girls in big European hats, and others in
beaver-tail skirts looking like miniature old women.
We made our grand entry on the arms of "high
officials," and all the notables were presented to us.
This "baile " was much more amusing than many
at which I have assisted, for they prepared a programme and it was very well done. First came a
song of welcome, written by some budding poet, in
which the refrain " Bien venida a Mrs. Taft " was
given in old-fashioned oratorio style. An oration
celebrating the Civil Commission was delivered in
eloquent Spanish. Then came an inevitable rigodon
danced by the officials and ourselves, and after that
native and Spanish dances and zarzualas alternating
with twosteps and waltzes.
To-day we start for Lipa, where we spend the
night and where another ball is being prepared for
us. It is said the ladies of Lipa will wear their celebrated diamonds on this occasion.

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