Scene--Evening in a Spanish patio in the governor's palace. It is
seen obliquely. In the foreground and on the three other sides a
portico of columns surrounds the central space which is open to the
sky. The court is ornamented with flowers and shrubs and pomegranate,
orange, myrtle and laurel trees in red earthen pots. Seats of all
kinds are scattered about. At the foot, on the ground floor, is a
large chamber with a door in the middle and windows on the sides. At
the right, in the foreground, under the portico, a small stairway of
five carpeted steps faces the audience and ends on a landing which
gives access to a vestibule and the bridal chamber, where the
outlines of dimly-lighted windows are seen. The columns of the
portico are decorated with palms, foliage and flowers fastened with
silk ribbons. Roses and jasmines climb on the walls. At the left,
clearly in view, is a door opening on the street, which is brightly
lighted by the moon when the door is open. The moon also shines
intensely bright on the front and right side of the house. The rooms
on the first floor have lighted windows. Lanterns hang from the
pillars of the portico. Hung from a pillar at the left, a Madonna
lamp lights the front of the scene. There are doors at the right, the
left, the foot and at the extremities of the portico.
Through the door and windows of the first floor is seen the great
dining chamber containing a table. In the scene, cavaliers, women,
bourgeoise and invited guests of all kinds are seated everywhere;
valets are hurrying about passing basins of silver with fruits, cake,
etc. The señoras, seated, fan themselves, chatter and gossip. There
is a loud noise of talk and laughter. Music is heard in the banquet
hall, interrupted with lively bursts of applause and exclamations of
joy. Little Spanish airs are played sweetly on instruments like
flutes, violins and hautebois.