Page:An Epistle to Posterity.djvu/47

24 had bonnets on, and I remember thinking that Mrs. Dickens's bonnet was dowdy. When we got into the carriage I said to my father, "Oh! I am so glad that mother allowed me this pretty dress!"

Whereupon he addressed me severely. "My daughter, I am sorry that after such an afternoon, when you have met so many distinguished people, you should be thinking of your clothes."

However, he was soon propitiated, and took me to the Senate Chamber next day, where I looked down on the great of the earth and saw Charles Dickens sitting in a seat near the Chairman.

I remember Mr. Tyler, the President, as a man with a long nose and thin figure, but a courteous Virginia gentleman. It all made a great impression on me, particularly Mr. Webster, who loomed up more and more splendid. I think I remember him (and my velvet jacket) best of all.

Then we departed for a long, fatiguing journey from Harrisburg to Wheeling by stage-coach. Splendid scenery, but nothing decent to eat for three days and nights. I slept on my dear father's shoulder. He was so kind, so tender, so sweet to me, that I can never think of this journey without my eyes getting a little moist; for after we reached the Ohio River, all blushing with the redbud along its banks, and got on the comfortable steamboat, I found that he was ailing. He, however, did not allow me to be annoyed, and it was to me a cotillon party which lasted a week; for the colored waiters made a very good band, the saloon a nice ballroom, and we danced every evening. I remember being appalled by one very solemn partner, who led me off in a cotillon by the formidable remark, "Dancing, madame, is a great solvent of discontent."