Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/424

396 Almost all the daughters of the Company's servants were at the ball. The heat of the clime certainly forbade all violent motion; yet we were surprized to see the young ladies dance in a manner so very unfavourable to the display of their graces. They contented themselves with walking slowly, scarcely observing the figures, and their supine air formed a strong contrast with the extreme quickness, which the composer had given to the country dances which they performed.

The orchestra consisted of four negroes, who played on the violin, and another who performed on the bass.

The ball was succeeded by a splendid supper, which was served up in the same apartment.

From the small number present at half an hour past nine, I supposed that the party at supper would not be numerous; but the greater part of the guests, not caring for the dance, did not come till about ten at night.

Gaiety prevailed at this entertainment, which lasted a good part of the night; and the dancing was resumed, and continued till sun-rise.

We were surprized that we had not the company of M. Strampfer, one of the ministers of the Protestant persuasion, who had received us so kindly; but we soon learned that he had lately incurred the displeasure of the Governor, because forsooth,