Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/176

178 here, Aunty, this will help to buy you, making the scene more affecting.

People congregate at the St. Charles from all the different parts of the United States, and during the season many come from the different countries of Europe. I have known ladies to be six months preparing, and no expense or pains spared, when coming to this place. They are more particular at this hotel than any I know of in the Western or Southern countries; for instance, every two weeks they have a soiree, to which the ladies are entitled to five tickets, and can invite any gentleman they wish; even the gentlemen that board there are not invited, unless there are ladies who are acquainted with them. The more gentlemen a lady knows the greater belle she is. I have seen seven or eight hundred people there at one time, all of whom came to enjoy themselves, and well they succeeded. One afternoon and evening, I had to dress twenty-five heads; and indeed, it was very amusing to hear the different places they were going to; some going to the St. Charles Theater, some to French Opera, some to Placide's Theater, some to soirees, some to public balls and some to private ones.

One week I thought I would see how many queer things would come under my notice; in the first place there was a charming couple from Boston, passing as brother and sister, but when it was found they were not related, they were quietly asked "out." Next day the lady wished me to comb her, and be with her as much as I could, although she seemed to be in great distress. Every day she, together with a gentleman, would take a carriage and leave the hotel for a drive. For a day or two, she seemed more and more troubled