From the streets the people in the houses might be seen through the windows in an atmosphere of music and flowers, moving about to the sounds of piano, harp, or orchestra.

Swarming in the streets were Chinese, Spaniards, Filipinos, some dressed in European style, some in the costumes of the country.

Crowding, elbowing, and pushing one another, walked servants carrying meat and chickens, students in white, men and women, all exposing themselves to be knocked down by the carriages which, in spite of the drivers' cries, made their way with difficulty.
In front of Capitan Basilio's house some young women called to our acquaintances and invited them to enter.

The merry voice of Sinang as she ran down the stairs put an end to all excuses.

"Come up a moment so that I may go with you," she said.