Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/229

Rh they went from one end of the table to the other, to see that all were well helped; and they did not take refreshments themselves until the guests had departed.

After some days had passed, there was a neighborhood party given, in the East-end: the party was given to an officer of high rank, who was a particular friend to the hostess' son-in-law, who was also an officer of eminence, and was universally beloved by all who knew him. The ladies were all in full dress, and looked very beautiful. The daughter of the hostess was dressed plainly, but very elegantly. All passed off finely; the supper-table was elegantly adorned with flowers, and the room was decorated with American emblems. Several pieces of music, suitable to the occasion, were played during supper, by one of our best bands.

One or two gentlemen, who supposed there would be no strong drink on the table, came in after indulging pretty freely of the water-of-life. One of them went to the table with a large handkerchief tied round his neck, as napkins are tied round children when they go to their meals; this caused a great deal of remark, and these gentlemen were generally remembered to be forgotten at future parties.

A short time after, it pleased a lady in the West-end to give a party. She was a bright, brilliant young lady; and, previous to her party, she had captivated some beaux the East-end girls had long set their caps for. The latter now got so dreadfully pious they would not go to the party, and thought it was awful to have a party while a series of prayer-meetings were going on.