DELL THOMPSON’S PARTY.
One day, about three weeks after the commencement of my school, I was
surprised by a call from Dell Thompson, who, after conversing awhile,
very familiarly, astonished me with an invitation to visit her the next
afternoon. “She was going to have a few of her friends from the
village,” she said, “Dr. Clayton with the rest.”
Here she looked at me and I looked out of the window, while she
continued, “You’ll come, I suppose.”
I replied that I would, after which she departed, leaving me in a
perfect state of bewilderment. _I_ invited to Captain Thompson’s, with
Dell’s fashionable friends! What could it mean, and what should I wear?
This last was by far the more important question; for I knew that the
people of the village were noted for their fine dress, and I, of course,
could not compete with them in point of elegance. Dr. Clayton too, I had
heard, was rather fastidious in his ideas of a lady’s dress, and my
heart sank within me as I mentally enumerated the articles of my scanty
wardrobe, finding therein nothing which I deemed fit for the occasion,
save a white dotted muslin, which was now lying soiled and wrinkled at
the bottom of my trunk. It is true, I had a blue and white lawn, neatly
made and quite becoming, but my heart was set upon the muslin, and so
when Mrs. Ross, with whom I was that week boarding, offered to wash and
iron it, I accepted the proffered kindness.
The next morning, when I passed Captain Thompson’s, I observed a great
commotion in and around the house. The blinds were thrown back, and
through the parlor windows I caught sight of brooms and dusters, while
at intervals during the day, the scholars brought me tidings of cake,
jellies, and ice-cream, said to be in progress. At precisely four
o’clock I dismissed school, and taking a short cut across the fields,
soon reached my boarding-place, where I found Mrs. Ross bending over the
ironing-table with a face flushed, and indicative of some anxiety.
“I never see nothin’ beat it,” she began, holding down her hot iron and
thereby making a slightly yellow spot on the dress. “I never see nothin’
beat it, how this gown pesters me. It must be poor stuff, or
somethin’,—but mebby it’ll look better on you,” she continued, as she
gave it a finishing touch, and then held it up to view.
And, indeed, it was sorry looking enough; some places being wholly
destitute of starch, while others were rough and stiff as a piece of
buckram. Common sense told me to wear the blue, but I had heard Dr.
Clayton say that nothing became a young girl so well as white, and so I
determined to wear it. It _would_ look better on me, I thought, and with
all the eagerness of a child I commenced my toilet, discovering to my
great dismay that I had neither shoes nor stockings fit to wear with a
muslin dress. The week previous I had taken my best ones home, where I
had purposely left them, not thinking it possible for me to need them.
Here then was a dilemma, out of which Mrs. Ross at last helped me, by
offering to lend the articles which I lacked; an offer which I gladly
accepted. Her stockings were rather coarse, having been knit by herself,
but they possessed the virtue of being white, and clean, and would have
answered my purpose very well, had it not been for the slippers, which
were far too long for me, and showed almost the whole of my foot.
Besides that, I found it rather difficult keeping them on, until Mrs.
Ross suggested the propriety of stuffing the toes with cotton! This
done, I donned the muslin dress, which seemed to me much shorter than
when I had last worn it, inasmuch as I had the painful consciousness of
being _all feet_, whenever I glanced in that direction.
But Mrs. Ross said “I looked mighty crank,” at the same time fastening
on my low-necked waist her _glass_ breastpin, which she pronounced,
“just the checker.” “You orto have some gloves to wear when you get
there,” said she, as she saw me drawing on my brown ones, “and I b’lieve
I’ve got the very thing,” she continued, bringing from the depths of the
bureau-drawer a pair of white cotton mitts, fancifully embroidered on
the back with yellow and blue. These she bade me “tuck in my bosom until
I got there, and on no account to lose ’em, as she had ’em before she
was married!”
Thus equipped, I started for Captain Thompson’s, reaching there just as
the clock was striking _five_, and finding, to my surprise, that I was
not only the first arrival, but that neither Mrs. Thompson nor Dell had
yet commenced dressing! Fearing I had mistaken the day, I questioned the
servant girl who answered my ring, and who assured me that I was right,
while at the same time, she conducted me to the chamber above, where, in
the long mirror, I obtained a full-length view of myself, feet and all!
My first impulse was to laugh, my second to cry, and to the latter I
finally yielded. No one came near me—I heard no one—saw no one, until in
light flowing muslin, white silk hose, and the tiniest of all tiny
French slippers, Dell Thompson sailed into the room, starting with well
feigned surprise when she saw me, asking how long I had been there, and
what was the matter.
Without considering what I was doing, I told her unreservedly about the
shoes and stockings, pointing to my _peacock_ feet as proof of what I
said. With all her faults, there was enough of the woman about Dell to
inspire her with a feeling of pity for me, and after forcing back the
laugh she could not well help, she said kindly, “Your shoes _are_ rather
large, but I think, perhaps, I can remedy the difficulty.”
At the same time she started to leave the room. What new impulse came
over her, I never knew; but sure am I that something changed her mind,
for, when nearly at the door, she suddenly paused, saying; “I know,
though, you can’t wear my slippers, so it’s of no use trying the
experiment:” adding, as she saw how my countenance fell, “I wouldn’t
mind it if I were you. Nobody’ll notice it, unless it is Dr. Clayton,
who, I believe, admires small ankles and little feet; but you don’t care
for him, he’s old enough to be your father, and, besides that, he thinks
you perfect, any way.”
Her words and manner annoyed me, and for a moment I debated in my own
mind the propriety of leaving at once, but I had not seen Dr. Clayton
since he carried me home, and so I finally concluded to remain, thinking
that I would keep my seat, and on no account stir when he was looking at
me. After coming to this conclusion, I ventured to ask Dell where the
rest of the company were, and was told that they were not invited until
evening.
“Until evening,” I repeated; “then I guess I’ll go before they come, for
I shall be afraid to walk home alone.”
“There’s a good moon,” said she; adding, “You must not leave, on any
account, for that will spoil all the—pleasure” she said—_fun_ I now
think she meant; but I could not fathom her then, and I never dreamed
that she had invited me there merely to show me up before her
fashionable friends, and make light of me in the estimation of Dr.
Clayton.
“Come down to the parlor,” she said at last, after arranging for the
third time the heavy braids of her black, beautiful hair; and following
her, I soon stood in the presence of Mrs. Thompson, a tall, dark,
haughty looking woman, who, half arising from the sofa, bowed stiffly,
muttering a few words of welcome as Dell introduced me.
Dropping into the first seat, a large willow chair near the door, I
tried to act natural, but I could not; for turn which way I would, I
felt that a pair of large black eyes were upon me, scanning me from my
head to my _feet_; and when her linen cambric handkerchief went up to
her mouth, apparently to stifle a cough, I was certain that it also
smothered a laugh, which I suppose my rather singular appearance called
forth. Right glad was I when both the ladies found an excuse for leaving
the parlor, though I did find it rather tiresome sitting there alone
until the shades of evening began to fall.
At last, when it was nearly dark, I ventured out upon the long piazza,
where I had not been long, when a gentleman on horseback galloped into
the yard, and in a moment I recognized Dr. Clayton’s voice, as he gave
his horse to the keeping of Capt. Thompson’s hired man. Hastily
retreating to the parlor, I had just time to seat myself in a corner
where I thought I should attract the least attention, when he entered
the room with Dell, whose hand I am sure he held until he saw me; then
quickly dropping it, he advanced to my side, greeting me kindly, and
once, when Dell’s back was towards us, whispering softly; “I am so glad
to find you here. I was afraid the party would prove a bore.”
Just then we heard the sound of fast coming wheels, and in a moment
there came round the corner a long open omnibus, drawn by four horses,
and densely crowded with young people of both sexes, all seemingly
shouting and laughing with all their might. I was not much used to the
ways of the world then, and having been taught that it was not lady-like
to be either rude or boisterous, I wondered greatly that well-bred
people should conduct themselves so badly: a species of wonder, by the
way, in which I now occasionally indulge. Bounding out, and adjusting
their light, flowing robes, the young ladies went tripping up the
stairs, still talking, laughing, and screaming so loudly, that once I
started up, exclaiming, “Why, what _is_ the matter!”
With a peculiar smile, Dr. Clayton laid his hand on my head in a very
_fatherly_ way, saying; “My little girl hasn’t yet learned that in order
to be _refined_, she must be rough and boisterous, and I hope she never
will, for it is refreshing to find occasionally something feminine and
natural.”
By this time the guests were assembled in the parlor, and when I saw how
tastefully they were dressed, and how much at ease they appeared, I
began to wish myself anywhere but there. One by one they were presented
to me, I at first keeping my seat; but when Dr. Clayton whispered to me
to stand up, I did so, bending my knees a little, so as to make my dress
longer, and thus partially hide my feet! But this could not be done, and
like two backgammon boards they set out at right angles, with the _wads_
of cotton lying up, round and hard. The young ladies had undoubtedly
received a description of me, for they inspected me closely, glancing
the while mischievously at Dell, who seemed to be in her element; asking
me if I were not tired; telling me I looked so, and adding, aside, but
loud enough for Dr. Clayton and myself to hear—“I should think she would
be, for she’s been here ever since five o’clock. I hadn’t even commenced
dressing!”
“Is it possible?” said one; while another exclaimed, “How _green_! but I
suppose it’s her first introduction into society, and she knows no
better.”
This conversation was probably not intended for me, but I heard it all,
and with much bitterness at my heart I turned away to hide my tears,
involuntarily drawing nearer to Dr. Clayton, as if for protection. But,
for some reason or other, he did not appear now as he did when we were
alone; then he was all kindness and attention, while he now evidently
avoided me; seeming slightly annoyed when any of his acquaintance teased
him about me, as I more than once heard them doing. In _his_ nature, as
in every other man’s, there were both good and bad qualities, and they
now seemed warring with each other; the former chiding him for deserting
me when I stood so much in need of his attention, and the latter
shrinking from anything which would incur the ridicule of his
companions.
At last, as if his good genius had conquered, he suddenly broke away
from a group of girls, and crossing over to where I was standing,
offered me his arm, telling me “I must stir round and be more sociable.”
I looked down at my feet, so did he, and for an instant there was a
flush on his face; but it passed off, and with a word of encouragement,
he led me towards the music-room, where Dell Thompson was unmercifully
pounding a five hundred dollar piano, which groaned and shrieked under
the infliction, while the bystanders, who had insisted upon her playing,
were all talking together, seemingly intent upon seeing which could make
the most noise, they or the instrument.
“Do you play, Miss Lee?” was asked me by half a dozen or more.
I had taken lessons two quarters, and I could play a few dancing tunes,
marches, etc., and so I said, whereupon they insisted upon my favoring
them with Money Musk, as they wanted to dance, and none of them could
perform anything as _old-fashioned_ as that. I looked at Dr. Clayton,
who, in a low tone, asked, “Are you sure you can get through with it?”
There was _doubt_ in the tones of his voice which touched my pride, and
without deigning him an answer I took my seat, resolving to do my best.
The set was soon formed, Dr. Clayton dancing with Dell Thompson, who
remarked as he led her away—“I suppose we shall have a rare
performance.”
Something, I am sure, must have inspired me, for never before did I play
so well; keeping perfect time, and striking every note distinctly. My
audience were evidently both surprised and pleased, for they called for
piece after piece, until my list was exhausted, when one of the
gentlemen, more thoughtful than the ladies, suggested the possibility of
my being tired.
“Perhaps she dances, too. Ask her, Bob,” said a young lady, while Dell
eagerly rejoined, “Oh, yes, do;” but _Bob_ was forestalled by Dr.
Clayton, who, for several minutes, had stood by my side, complimenting
my playing, and who now asked me to be his partner in the next cotillon,
his cousin having volunteered to take my place at the piano.
In my excitement I forgot my _shoes_, forgot everything, save that Dr.
Clayton’s eye was looking down upon me, that my hand was resting in his,
and ere I was aware of it, I found myself upon the floor. I was
perfectly familiar with the changes of the cotillon, but at my right was
John Thompson; who, when it came his turn to swing with me, refused to
take my hand, treating me with such marked insolence that I became
confused, and made several mistakes, at which he laughed contemptuously.
Besides this, my big shoes incommoded me; and at last, in the midst of
the promenade, one of them dropped off, the _cotton-ball_ rolled out, I
tripped, lost my balance, and after one or two headlong plunges, fell
flat at the feet of Dr. Clayton, who stood aghast with surprise and
mortification. It was ludicrous enough, I know; but I do not think there
was any necessity for the loud roar which was raised over my mishap; and
burning with shame and vexation, I gathered myself up, and fled from the
room; but not until I heard Dell Thompson say, as she picked up the shoe
and passed it to Dr. Clayton, “It is Mrs. Ross’s; she hadn’t any of her
own, which she thought suitable, and so she borrowed.”
“That accounts for the _cotton-wad_,” said John, dealing said wad a kick
that sent it bounding past me.
Rushing up the stairs, I found my shawl and bonnet; and then, without a
word to any one, started for home, minus my shoe, which I entirely
forgot in my excitement. I had scarcely got outside the gate when the
sound of a footstep caused me to look around, and I saw Dr. Clayton, his
hat in one hand and Mrs. Ross’s slipper in the other. This last he
passed to me, and then without a word drew my arm within his, and for a
time we walked on in silence, while I cried as if my heart would break.
Coming at last to an old oak tree, under which a rude bench had been
constructed, he bade me sit down; and placing himself by my side, asked
me, “What was the matter?”
“You know well enough what’s the matter,” I said angrily, struggling to
rise; but his arm was strong, and he held me fast, while he tried to
quiet me, and in this he soon succeeded, for he possessed over me a
power which I could not resist.
Gradually, as I grew calm, I told him all; how I believed that Dell
Thompson had invited me only to ridicule me, how she had asked me to
come in the afternoon, and then made fun of me for doing so; while her
companions called me _green_; and that in the absence of my own slippers
I had worn those of Mrs. Ross; thereby meeting with the worst
catastrophe of all; to wit, the falling flat in the dance!
Here I broke down entirely, and cried out aloud; while the doctor, after
one or two hearty laughs at my distress, tried again to comfort me,
asking me what I cared for Dell Thompson’s ridicule. “She wasn’t worth
minding,” he said, “and no one who knows her would attach any importance
to her remarks.”
“But what makes her treat me so?” I asked; “I never harmed her.”
For a time the doctor said nothing; but the arm, which all the time had
encircled my waist, drew me still closer to his side, while he at last
replied, “she is _jealous of you_—jealous because she thinks I like _the
little Rose_ better than I do her.”
“And it’s very foolish in her to think so,” I exclaimed.
Again the doctor was silent, but by the light of the full moon I saw
that there was a curious train of thought passing through his mind, but
it did not manifest itself in words; for when he again spoke, it was
merely to reply, “Yes, very foolish;” then, after another pause, he
added, “and still I know of no reason why I should like her best—do
you?”
“Yes,” I answered quickly, “there are many reasons. She is handsome; I
am homely. She is graceful; I am awkward. She is rich; I am poor”——
“She is artificial; you are truthful;” said he, interrupting me, while,
without paying any heed to this remark, I continued, “she is a young
lady, and I am a little girl—only thirteen.”
“I wish you were older, Rose,” said he, “and had seen a little more of
the world.”
Then followed a long conversation in which much was said, which had far
better been left unsaid; for I was a warm-hearted, impulsive child,
believing that I to him was what he was to me. And still he did not once
commit himself, nor in what he said was there aught which could possibly
have been construed into an avowal of anything save _friendship_, which
was the theme upon which he rang many a change. Alas, for such
friendships! They are dangerous to one’s peace of mind, particularly if
told beneath an old oak tree, with the silvery moonlight shining down
upon you, and the soft summer air gently moving the green leaves above
your head. How long we sat there I do not know; but I was the first to
propose going, telling him they would miss him at the party, and wonder
at his absence.
“Let them wonder then,” said he; “I have no intention of returning to
the house. It would be intolerable after this pleasant chat with you, so
I shall just get my horse and go quietly home.”
I did not then know that he had not sufficient courage to brave the
jokes and jeers which he knew were sure to greet him, should he return
to Captain Thompson’s. Neither did I know that with his fashionable
friends he would scarcely dare defend me; nor that when John Thompson
once, in his presence, imitated the way in which I stumbled and fell,
_he_ joined in the laugh which followed; saying, though as if in
apology, “that it was too bad to make fun of me, for I was quite a nice
little girl.”
We found Mrs. Ross sitting up for me, sleeping in her chair, while the
tallow candle at her side had burned and spluttered away, until the
black, crisped wick was longer than the candle itself.
“Lordy massy! doctor, is that you?” she exclaimed, rubbing open her eyes
and hooking up her dress, which, for comfort, she had loosened. “I
thought, mebby, you’d beau Rosa home. Come in and stay a spell. I’d as
lief you’d spark it awhile in t’other room as not!”
But the doctor had no idea of doing anything so marked as that; and with
a whispered good night to me, and an audible one to Mrs. Ross, he
departed; just as the good lady asked me, loud enough for him to hear,
“if I’d dirtied her _stockings_, lost her _mitts_, or broken her
breastpin?”