Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/161

 the youthful company and the mellowing influence of the wine soon had its effect on the taciturn host, whose superb physique and inflammable spirits could not long resist the combined influence of good company and good cheer. Music was called for, and Feuardent lifted up his great voice, deep and true as a crystal chime, and sang quaint songs in the Creole dialect. Then he gave them an Indian war-dance and song, which were received with great applause, especially by Bouton de Rose, who promised to make a sensation with the war-dance in Paris when he should return thither. He had just received a letter from that city, and read them all the latest gossip about the new danseuse at the Palais Royal and the last amour of the bouffe actress who was at that time the idol of Paris; who paid for Madame A.'s diamonds, and why Mile. B.'s marriage was postponed; what the odds were in favor of the American at the Grand Prix; and last of all the latest proclamation of the Nationalists, and what the outlook was for the elections.

A political discussion ensued, under the cover of which Feuardent drew aside one of his guests, Archie Nelson, the artist who had once been his schoolfellow. The host evidently had some thing on his mind, the utterance of which embarrassed him, for he pulled at his mustache