Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/268

270 fastened on with a wreath of orange buds; her bridemaids were dressed in keeping, while her aunt had on a rich black velvet, with angel's wings of black lace. Occasionally were seen two or three slaves moving about through the house; there being no more, was owing to there having ten or twelve ran off from them a month or so before, over the bridge erected by a special Providence for them. That season there were two or three hundred crossed over on the ice to the land of liberty.

Some few weeks passed, and it was rumored that Mrs. Colonel H. was going to give a party; every one expecting an invitation, had their dresses ordered beforehand, as all wished to go to her parties on account of the elegance with which they were conducted. Before the invitations were issued, those who were doubtful of getting invitations, when they would meet me on the street, would ask, "Oh, Iangy, am I invited?" "Do you know whether I will have an invitation?" or, "Oh, how I wish I was going—I would so like to be there;" and such like, knowing I generally knew the different circles, and who would and who would not be invited; they did not like to ask me to try and get them invitations, but, by repeating, "I wish I were going; I would give anything to go," they, as plainly as they could, hinted it to me. I have obtained many invitations for ladies to large parties, where they would not for one instant think of asking them had it not been for my request, as I work for a great many of those who give large parties, and they know I would not ask for any one unless I knew them to be ladies, both in manners and principle.

The hostess at these large parties receives many