Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/101

Rh this circle bowls, butter, pepper and salt, and anything else they might require; then last came along a number of forks to eat with. Then commenced such an opening of clams, handing round of sweet potatoes and corn—just which you pleased to have—and all seemed to eat as if they were the most elegant things imaginable.

I sat aside and looked on, an amused spectator, as, though pressed by many to eat, and told how good they were, I could not eat them. There was an immense kettle of chowder, which they all seemed to enjoy very much. They all ate with such a relish as if they never had eaten anything so good before. There was a good deal of fun and merriment going on.

After they had finished their clams, they took another dance; then all retired to dress for a ball which was to be inside the house. They kept it up till eleven o'clock at night. The refreshment table was beautifully and elegantly set.

Notwithstanding the attention and kindness I received, I got perfectly wearied, when I, with some others, started for the boat. When we got to the landing, which was a quarter of a mile from the house, there was a surprise. Instead of our splendid and commodious steamer, towering up to the sky, there was a contemptible little tow-boat, that we had to look down to find; she had no cabin, nor any shelter from the night. It was certainly a stronger and safer boat, but the elegant cabins that were appropriated to excursions were wanting. I was furious, and started back to the house with rage; I outwalked them all. On reaching the house, the committee went 9