LETTER XVI.

Visit from the Turkish Ambassador.--Stroll to the gardens of the Buen Retiro.--Troop of ostriches.--Madame d’Aranda.--State of Cortejo-ism.--Powers of drapery.--Madame d’Aranda’s toilet.--Assembly at the house of Madame Badaan.--Cortejos off duty.--Blaze of beauty.--A curious group.--A dance. 358