Alice and Ellen, accompanied by Mrs. Weston, and some gentlemen from their
section of the country, were to attend a private ball, expected to be one
of the most brilliant of the season. Mr. Weston, not feeling well, retired
early, preferring to listen to the young ladies' account of the evening,
after his breakfast and newspaper the next morning. When they were ready to
go, they came into Mr. Weston's parlor, to obtain his commendation on their
taste. Mrs. Weston was there awaiting them; and her own appearance was too
striking to be passed over without notice. She was still really a handsome
woman, and her beauty was greatly enhanced by her excellent taste in dress.
Her arms, still round and white, were not uncovered. The rich lace sleeves,
and the scarf of the same material that was thrown over her handsome neck
and shoulders, was far more becoming than if she had assumed the bare arms
and neck which was appropriate to her daughter. Her thick dark hair was
simply put back from her temples, as she always wore it, contrasting
beautifully with the delicate white flowers there. Her brocade silk,
fitting closely to her still graceful figure, and the magnificent diamond
pin that she wore in her bosom; the perfect fitness of every part of her
apparel gave a dignity and beauty to her appearance, that might have
induced many a gay lady who mixes, winter after winter, in the amusements
of our city, to go and do likewise. When youth is gone forever, it is
better to glide gracefully into middle age; and if half the time and
thought that is expended on the choice of gay colors and costly material,
were passed in properly arranging what is suitable to age and appearance,
the fashionable assemblies of the present day would not afford such
spectacles, as cannot fail both to pain and amuse.
Mr. Weston turned to the door as it opened, expecting the girls to enter;
and a little impatient, too, as it was already half-past ten o'clock. The
gentlemen had been punctual to their appointed hour of ten, but declared
that three quarters of an hour was an unusually short time to be kept
waiting by ladies. Ellen came first, her tall but well-proportioned figure
arrayed in a rose-colored silk of the most costly material. She wore a
necklace and bracelet of pearl, and a string of the same encircled her
beautifully-arranged hair. The rich color that mantled in her cheeks
deepened still more, as she acknowledged the salutation of the gentlemen;
but Alice, who entered immediately after her, went at once to her uncle,
and putting her hand in his, looked the inquiry, "Are you pleased with me?"
No wonder the old man held her hand for a moment, deprived of the power of
answering her. She stood before him glowing with health again, the coral
lips parted with a smile, awaiting some word of approval. The deep-blue
eyes, the ivory skin, the delicately-flushed cheeks, the oval face, the
auburn curls that fell over brow and temple, and hung over the rounded and
beautiful shoulders; the perfect arm, displayed in its full beauty by the
short plain sleeve; the simple dress of white; the whole figure, so fair
and interesting, with no ornaments to dim its youthful charms; but one
flower, a lily, drooping over her bosom. The tears gathered in his large
eyes, and drawing her gently towards him, he kissed her lips. "Alice, my
beloved," he said, "sweetest of God's earthly gifts, you cannot be always
as fair and young as you are now; but may God keep your heart as pure and
childlike, until he take you to the Heaven which is your destiny." Before
any one could reply, he had bowed to the rest of the company and left the
room; and even Alice, accustomed as she was to his partial affection, felt
solemnized at the unusual earnestness with which he had addressed her; but
Mrs. Weston hurried them off to the scene of fashion and splendor which
they had been anticipating.
* * * * *
Mr. Weston was about to retire, when Bacchus suddenly entered the room,
preceded by a slight knock. He was very much excited, and evidently had
information of great importance to communicate.
"Master," said he, without waiting to get breath, "they're all got took."
"What is the matter, Bacchus?"
"Nothing, sir, only they're all cotched, every mother's son of 'em."
"Of whom are you speaking?"
"Of them poor misguided niggers, sir, de Abolitioners got away; but they're
all cotched now, and I'm sorry 'nuff for 'em. Some's gwine to be sold, and
some's gwine to be put in jail; and they're all in the worst kind of
trouble."
"Well, Bacchus, it serves them right; they knew they were not free, and
that it was their duty to work in the condition in which God had placed
them. They have nobody to blame but themselves."
"'Deed they is--'scuse me for contradictin you--but there's them as is to
blame a heap. Them Abolitioners, sir, is the cause of it. They wouldn't let
the poor devils rest until they 'duced them to go off. They 'lowed, they
would get 'em off, and no danger of their being took agin. They had the
imperance, sir, to 'suade those poor deluded niggers that they were born
free, when they knowed they were born slaves. I hadn't no idea, sir, they
was sich liars; but I've been up to de place whar the servants is, and its
heart-breaking to hear 'em talk. Thar's Simon, that strapping big young
man, as drives Mrs. Seymour's carriage; they got him off. He's a crying up
thar, like a baby a month old. He's been a hidin and a dodgin for a
week--he's nigh starved. And now he's cotched, and gwine to be sold. He's a
raal spilt nigger: his master dressed him like a gentleman, and he had
nothin to do all day but to drive de carriage; and he told me hisself, when
he was out late at night wid de young ladies, at parties, he never was woke
in de mornin, but was 'lowed to sleep it out, and had a good hot breakfast
when he did wake. Well, they got him off. They made out he'd go to the
great Norrurd, and set up a trade, or be a gentleman, may be; and like as
not they told him he stood a good chance of being President one of dese
days. They got him off from his good home, and now he's done for. He's
gwine to be sold South to-morrow. He's a beggin young Mr. Seymour up thar
not to sell him, and makin promises, but its no use; he's goin South. I bin
hearin every word he said to his young master. 'Oh, Master George,' says
he, 'let me off dis time. I didn't want to go till the Abolitioners told me
you had no right to me, kase God had made me free; and you, they said, was
no better than a thief, keepin me a slave agin natur and the Bible too.'"
"'But, Simon,' said young Mr. Seymour, 'you stole a suit of my new clothes
when you went off; and you got money, too, from Mrs. Barrett, saying I had
sent you for it. How came you to do that?'
"'I will 'fess it all, sir,' said Simon, 'and God knows I'm speakin truth.
I took de suit of clothes. The Abolitioner, he said I'd be a gentleman when
I got North, and I must have somethin ready to put on, to look like one. So
he said you'd always had the use of me, and twasn't no harm for me to take
de suit, for I was 'titled to it for my sarvices. He axed me if any body
owed my mistis money, as I know'd of. I told him, yes, Mrs. Barrett did,
and mistis often sent me after it without any order, for she know'd I'd
bring it straight to her. Now, my boy, said the Abolitioner, dis money is
yourn--its your wages. You've got a better right to it than ever your
mistis had. You can't start on a journey without money; so you go to dis
lady and tell her you was sent for money by your mistis, and you keep de
money for your own use. Here's de money,' said he, 'Master George, take it
to mistis, and tell her de truth.'
"'Damn the rascals,' says young Mr. Seymour, 'they're not content with
man-stealing, but they're stealing money and clothes, and every thing they
can lay their hands upon. So much for your Abolition friends, Simon,' says
he. 'I wish you joy of them. They've brought you to a pretty pass, and lost
you as good a home as ever a servant had.'
"'Oh, master,' said Simon, 'won't you take me back? Indeed I will be
faithful.'
"'Can't trust you, Simon,' said Mr. Seymour; 'besides, none of your
fellow-servants want you back. You have no relations. My mother bought you,
when you was a little boy, because she knew your mother; and after she died
you were knocked about by the other servants. My sister taught you how to
read the Bible, and you have been a member of the Methodist church. If you
was a poor ignorant fellow, that didn't know what was right, I would take
you back; but you've done this wid your eyes open. Our servants say they
wants no runaways to live 'long o' them. Now, if you can get any of your
Abolition friends to buy you, and take you North, and make a gentleman of
you, I'll sell you to them; but they wouldn't give a fip to keep you from
starving. I am sorry its so, but I can't take you back.' He said these very
words, sir. He felt mighty bad, sir; he talked husky, but he went out.
Simon called after him, but he didn't even look back; so I know Simon's
goin for true."
"I am really sorry for the servants, Bacchus," said Mr. Weston, "but they
won't take warning. I'm told that since Abolitionists have come to live in
Washington, and have been going among the colored people, that it is almost
impossible to employ an honest servant; it is on this account that the
Irish are so much employed. Some years ago the families had no trouble with
their domestics, but Abolition has ruined them. What a wretched looking
class they are, too! lazy and dirty; these are the consequences of taking
bad advice."
"Well, master," said Bacchus, "I wish to de Lord we could take 'em all to
Virginny, and give 'em a good coat of tar and feathers; thar's all them
feathers poor Aunt Peggy had in them barrels. We aint got no call for 'em
at home. I wish we could put 'em to some use. I wouldn't like no better fun
than to spread de tar on neat, and den stick de feathers on close and
thick."
"Well, Bacchus," said Mr. Weston, "its near bedtime, and I am not well; so
I will retire."
"Certainly, master; you must 'scuse me, I'm afeard I've kep you up; I felt
mightily for them poor creaturs, thar. Lor', master, I aint nigh so weakly
as you, and think I nussed you, and used to toat you on my back when you
was a little boy. You was mighty fat, I tell you--I used to think my back
would bust, sometimes, but I'm pretty strong yet. 'Pears like I could toat
you now, if I was to try."
"Not to-night, thank you, Bacchus. Though if any thing should occur to make
it necessary, I will call you," said Mr. Weston.
Bacchus slept in a kind of closet bedroom off his master's, and he went in
accordingly, but after a few moments returned, finding Mr. Weston in bed.
"Will you have any thing, sir?"
"Nothing, to-night."
"Well, master, I was thinkin to say one thing more, and 'tis, if dese
Abolitioners, dat has so much larnin, if they only had some of the Bible
larnin my wife has, how much good 'twould do 'em. My wife says, 'God put
her here a slave, and she's a gwine to wait for Him to set her free; if he
aint ready to do so till he calls her to Heaven, she's willin to wait.'
Lord, sir, my wife, she sets at de feet of Jesus, and larns her Bible. I
reckon de Abolitioners aint willin to do that; they don't want to get so
low down; 'pears as if they aint willin to go about doin good like Jesus
did, but they must be puttin up poor slaves to sin and sorrow. Well,
they've got to go to their account, any how."
Bacchus finally retired, but it was with difficulty he composed himself to
sleep. He was still mentally discussing that great subject, Abolition,
which, like a mighty tempest, was shaking the whole country. All at once it
occurred to him "that it wouldn't do no good to worry about it," so he
settled himself to sleep. A bright idea crossed his mind as he closed his
eyes upon the embers that were fading on the hearth in his master's room;
in another moment he was reposing, in utter oblivion of all things, whether
concerning his own affairs or those of the world in general.
The next morning, just as Mr. Weston had finished his paper, Bacchus came
in with a pair of boots, shining astonishingly. "I believe," said Mr.
Weston, "I won't put them on yet, our ladies have not come down to
breakfast, and its hardly time, for it is but half-past nine o'clock; I
think it must have been morning when they came home."
"Yes sir," said Bacchus; "they aint awake yet, Aunt Marthy tells me."
"Well, let them sleep. I have breakfasted, and I will sit here and enjoy
this good fire, until they come."
Bacchus lingered, and looked as if he could not enjoy any thing that
morning.
"Any thing the matter, Bacchus?" said Mr. Weston.
"Well," said Bacchus, "nothin more I 'spose than what I had a right to
expect of 'em. Simon's got to go. I done all I could for him, but it aint
nothin, after all."
"What could you do?" said Mr. Weston.
"Well, master, I was nigh asleep last night, when all at once I thought
'bout dis here Abolition gentleman, Mr. Baker, that boards long wid us.
Now, thinks I, he is a mighty nice kind of man, talks a heap 'bout God and
the Gospel, and 'bout our duty to our fellow-creaturs. I know'd he had a
sight of money, for his white servant told me he was a great man in Boston,
had a grand house thar, his wife rode in elegant carriages, and his
children has the best of every thing. So, I says to myself, he aint like
the rest of 'em, he don't approve of stealing, and lying, and the like o'
that; if he thinks the Southern gentlemen oughter set all their niggers
free, why he oughter be willin to lose just a little for one man; so I went
straight to his room to ask him to buy Simon."
"That was very wrong, Bacchus," said Mr. Weston, sternly. "Don't you know
your duty better than to be interfering in the concerns of these people? I
am excessively mortified. What will this gentleman think of me?"
"Nothin', master," said Bacchus. "Don't be oneasy. I told him I come to ax
him a favor on my own 'sponsibility, and that you didn't know nothin' about
it. Well, he axed me if I wanted a chaw of tobacco. 'No sir,' says I, 'but
I wants to ax a little advice.' 'I will give you that with pleasure,' says
he.
"'Mr. Baker,' says I, 'I understands you think God made us all, white and
colored, free and equal; and I knows you feels great pity for de poor
slaves that toils and frets in de sun, all their lives like beasts, and
lays down and dies like beasts, clean forgot like 'em too. I heard you say
so to a gentleman at de door; I thought it was mighty kind of you to
consider so much 'bout them of a different color from your own. I heard you
say it was de duty of de gentlemen of de South to set their slaves free,
if it did make 'em poor, kase Jesus Christ, he made hisself poor to set us
all free. Warn't dat what you said, sir?'
"'Exactly,' says he. 'I didn't know you had such a good memory.'
"'Now, Mr. Baker,' says I, 'you're a Christian yourself, or you couldn't
talk dat way. I know Christians must like to make other people happy;
they're bound to, for their Master, Christ, did. Well, sir, all de poor
creturs dat de Abolitionists got off is cotched--they're gwine to be sold,
and thar's one young man thar, that had a good home and a good mistis, and
him they 'suaded off, and now he's gwine to be sold South, whar he'll toil
and sweat in de hot sun. Now, Mr. Baker, if de Southern gentlemen's duty's
so plain to you, that they oughter make themselves poor, to make their
slaves free and happy, surely you'll buy this one poor man who is frettin'
hisself to death. It won't make you poor to buy jist this one; his master
says he'll sell him to any Abolitioner who'll take him to the great
Norrurd, and have him teached. Buy him, sir, for de Lord's sake--de poor
fellow will be so happy; jist spend a little of your money to make dat one
poor cretur happy. God gave it all to you, sir, and he aint gave none to de
poor slaves, not even gave him his freedom. You set dis one poor feller
free, and when you come to die, it will make you feel so good to think
about it; when you come to judgment, maybe Christ may say, "You made dis
poor man free, and now you may come into de kingdom and set down wid me
forever." Oh! sir,' says I, 'buy him, de Lord will pay you back, you won't
lose a copper by him.'"
"Well," said Mr. Weston, "what did he say?"
"Why, sir," said Bacchus, "he got up and stood by de fire, and warmed
hisself, and says he, 'Ole felur, if I'd a had de teaching of you, I'd a
larned you to mind your own business. I'll let you know I didn't come to
Washington to buy niggers.' 'Here,' says he, to dat white nigger that
waits on him, 'Next time dis feller wants me, tell him to go 'bout his
business.'
"'Good mornin' sir,' says I, 'I shan't trouble you agin. May de Lord send
better friends to de slaves than de like of you.'"
"Well, Bacchus," said Mr. Weston, "you did very wrong, and I hope you will
not again take such a liberty with any person. You see for yourself what an
Abolitionist is. I wish those poor runaways had had some such experience,
it would have saved them from the trouble they are now in."
"Yes, indeed, master. I've been down thar agin, to-day. I went right early;
thar's an ole woman thar that tried to run away. She's gwine too, and she
leaves her husband here. She aint a cryin, though, her heart's too full for
tears. Oh! master," said Bacchus, sighing deeply, "I think if you'd seed
her, you'd do more than the Abolitioners."
* * * * *
In the afternoon Mr. Weston usually walked out. He did not dine with the
ladies at their late hour, as his complaint, dyspepsia, made it necessary
for him to live lightly and regularly. Bacchus attended him in his walks,
and many a person turned back to look upon the fine-looking old gentleman
with his gold-headed cane, and his servant, whose appearance was as
agreeable as his own. Bacchus was constantly on the lookout for his master,
but he managed to see all that was going on too, and to make many
criticisms on the appearance and conduct of those he met in his rambles.
Bacchus followed his master, and found that he was wending his steps to the
place where the arrested runaways were confined. This was very agreeable to
him, for his heart was quite softened towards the poor prisoners, and he
had an idea that his master's very presence might carry a blessing with
it. "Bacchus," said Mr. Weston, as they were going in, "you need not point
out the servants to me. I will observe for myself, and I do not wish to be
conspicuous."
There were a great many lounging about, and looking round there. Some were
considering the scene as merely curious; some were blaming the slaves; some
their masters, some the Abolitionists. There was confusion and constant
going in and out. But though the countenances of the runaways expressed
different emotions, it was evident that one feeling had settled in each
breast, and that was, there was no hope that any thing would occur to
relieve them from their undesirable position.
Mr. Weston easily recognized Simon, from Bacchus's description. He had a
boyish expression of disappointment and irritation on his countenance, and
had evidently been recently weeping. There were several men, one or two of
them with bad faces, and one, a light mulatto, had a fine open countenance,
and appeared to be making an effort not to show his excessive
disappointment. In the corner sat the woman, on a low bench--her head was
bent forward on her lap, and she was swaying her body slightly, keeping
motion with her foot.
"What is the woman's name, Bacchus?" asked Mr. Weston in a low tone.
"I axed her dis mornin, sir. Its Sarah--Sarah Mills."
Mr. Weston walked up nearer to her, and was regarding her, when she
suddenly looked up into his face. Finding herself observed, she made an
effort to look unconcerned, but it did not succeed, for she burst into
tears.
"I'm sorry to see you here, Sarah," said Mr. Weston, "you look too
respectable to be in such a situation." Sarah smoothed down her apron, but
did not reply. "What induced you to run away? You need not be afraid to
answer me truthfully. I will not do you any harm."
"My blessed grief!" said Bacchus. "No, master couldn't do no harm to a
flea."
"Hush, Bacchus," said Mr. Weston.
There was something in Mr. Weston's appearance that could not be mistaken.
The woman gave him a look of perfect confidence, and said--
"I thought I could better myself, sir."
"In what respect? Had you an unkind master?" said Mr. Weston.
"No," said the woman, "but my husband I was afear'd might be sold, and I
thought I could make so much money at the North, that I could soon help him
to buy himself. He's a barber, sir, lives on the Avenue, and his master,
when he was young, had him taught the barber's trade. Well, his master told
him some time ago that he might live to himself, and pay him so much a
month out o' what he made, but seemed as if he couldn't get along to do it.
My husband, sir, drinks a good deal, and he couldn't do it on that account;
so, a year or two ago his master sent for him, and told him that he was
worthless, and unless he could buy himself in three years he would sell
him. He said he might have himself for five hundred dollars, and he could
have earned it, if he hadn't loved whiskey so, but 'pears as if he can't do
without that. We aint got no children, thank God! so when the Abolitionists
advised me to go off, and told me they would take care of me until I got
out of my master's reach, and I could soon make a sight of money to buy my
husband, I thought I would go; and you see, sir, what's come of it."
Sarah tried to assume the same look of unconcern, and again she wept
bitterly.
"I don't mean to reproach you, now that you are in trouble," said Mr.
Weston, "but you colored people in this city have got into bad hands. God
has made you slaves, and you should be willing to abide by his will,
especially if he give you a good master."
"Yes, sir, it was mighty hard though, to think of my poor husband's being
sold,--he and I don't belong to the same person."
"So, I suppose," said Mr. Weston; "but you have only made your condition
worse."
"Yes, sir; but I didn't think things would turn out so. The Abolitionists
said they would see that I got off free."
"They ought to be cotched, and tied up, and have a good whaling besides,"
said Bacchus, indignantly.
"'Taint no use wishin 'em harm," said Sarah; "the Lord's will be done," at
the same time her pale lips quivered with emotion.
Mr. Weston paused a few moments in deep thought, then went into the other
room. When he returned, she was sitting as when he first entered, her face
buried in her lap.
"Sarah," he said, and she looked up as before, without any doubt, in his
open countenance, "are you a good worker?"
"I am, at washin and ironin. I have been makin a good deal for my master
that way."
"Well," said Mr. Weston, "if I were to purchase you, so as you could be
near your husband, would you conduct yourself properly; and if I wish it,
endeavor to repay me what I have given for you?"
Such a thought had not entered the despairing woman's mind. She was
impressed with the idea that she should never see her husband again; other
things did not effect her. It was necessary, therefore, for Mr. Weston to
repeat what he had said before she comprehended his meaning. When she heard
and understood, every energy of her soul was aroused. Starting from her
seat, she clasped her hands convulsively together; her face became
deathlike with agitation.
"Would I, sir? Oh! try me! Work! what is work if I could be near my poor
husband as long as I can. Buy me, sir, only for Jesus' sake, buy me. I will
work day and night to pay you, and the blessing of God Almighty will pay
you too, better than any money I could earn."
Bacchus, the tears rolling down his cheeks, looked earnestly at his
master's face.
"Buy her, master, buy her, for the love of God," he said.
"Sarah," said Mr. Weston, "I do not like to be in a public place; do not,
therefore, become excited, and say any thing that will draw observation to
me. I have bought you, and I will not require you to repay me. Come to me
to-night, at Willard's, and I will give you your free papers; I will see
also what I can do for your husband. In the mean time, Bacchus will help
you take your things from this place. Stay here though a few moments, until
he gets me a carriage to go home in, and he will return to you."
Sarah perfectly understood that Mr. Weston wanted no thanks at that time.
With streaming eyes, now raised to heaven--now to her benefactor, she held
her peace. Mr. Weston gladly left the dreadful place. Bacchus assisted him
to a hack, and then came back to fulfil his directions as regards the
woman.
Oh! noble heart, not here thy reward! Thy weak and trembling frame attests
too well that the scene is too trying to afford thee pleasure. The
All-seeing Eye is bent upon thee, and thine own ear will hear the
commendation from the lips of Christ: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the
least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Nor thou alone! Many
a generous act is done by the slaveholder to the slave. God will remember
them, though here they be forgotten or unknown.
We need not dwell on the unhoped-for meeting between Sarah and her husband,
nor on Bacchus's description of it to his master. It suffices to close the
relation of this incident by saying, that at night Sarah came to receive
directions from Mr. Weston; but in their place he gave her the necessary
free papers. "You are your own mistress, now, Sarah," said he. "I hope you
will prove yourself worthy to be so. You can assist your husband to pay for
himself. If you are honest and industrious, you cannot fail to do well."
Sarah's heart overflowed with unlooked-for happiness. She thanked Mr.
Weston over and over again, until, fearing to be troublesome, she withdrew.
Bacchus went as far as the corner, and promised to look in upon herself and
husband, repeatedly; which he did. He impressed his new acquaintances with
a proper sense of his own importance. With the exception of one grand spree
that he and Sarah's husband had together, the three enjoyed a very pleasant
and harmonious intercourse during the remainder of the Westons' stay at
Washington.
* * * * *
The gay winter had passed, and spring had replaced it; but night after
night saw the votaries of fashion assembled, though many of them looked
rather the worse for wear. Ellen and Alice tired of scenes which varied so
little, yet having no regular employment, they hardly knew how to cease the
round of amusements that occupied them. Ellen said, "Never mind, Alice, we
will have plenty of time for repentance, and we might as well quaff to the
last drop the cup of pleasure, which may never be offered to our lips
again." Very soon they were to return to Virginia, and now they proposed
visiting places of interest in the neighborhood of the city.
One morning, after a gay party, and at a later hour than usual, the three
ladies entered the breakfast-room. Mr. Weston was waiting for them. "Well,
young ladies," he said, "I have read my paper, and now I am ready to hear
you give an account of your last evening's triumphs. The winter's campaign
is closing; every little skirmish is then of the greatest importance. How
do you all feel?"
"I do not know how I feel, uncle," said Alice, languidly.
"Alice has expressed my feelings exactly, and Mrs. Weston's too, I fancy,"
said Ellen.
Mr. Weston smiled, but said he should not excuse them from their promise of
giving him a faithful description of the scene.
"Well, my dear sir," said Ellen, "I have a decided talent for description;
but remember, Mrs. Weston, my genius must not be cramped. Do not break the
thread of my discourse by 'Ellen, do not talk so!' A Washington party is
what you have called it, Mr. Weston, a skirmish. You remember how the wind
blew last night. When we reached Mr. ----'s front door, the people had
collected in such crowds in the hall, to get a little air, that it was
fully ten minutes before we could get in. We had the benefit of a strong
harsh breeze playing about our undefended necks and shoulders. As soon as
we were fairly in, though, we were recompensed for our sufferings in this
respect. We went from the arctic to the torrid zone; it was like an August
day at two o'clock.
"We tried to make our way to the lady of the house, but understood, after a
long search, that she had been pushed by the crowd to the third story; and
being a very fat person, was seen, at the last accounts, seated in a
rocking-chair, fanning herself violently, and calling in vain for
ice-cream. After a while we reached the dancing-room, where, in a very
confined circle, a number were waltzing and Polka-ing. As this is a
forbidden dance to Alice and me, we had a fine opportunity of taking notes.
Mrs. S. was making a great exhibition of herself; she puffed and blew as if
she had the asthma; her ringlets streamed, and her flounces flew. I was
immensely anxious for the little lieutenant her partner. He was invisible
several times; lost in the ringlets and the flounces. There were people of
all sizes and ages dancing for a wager. I thought of what our good bishop
once said: 'It was very pretty to see the young lambs gambolling about;
but when the old sheep began to caper too, he'd rather not look on.' There
was poor old Mr. K., with his red face and his white hair, and his heels
flying in every direction. (I am ashamed of you for laughing at Mr. K.,
Mrs. Weston, when I am trying to impress upon Alice's mind the folly of
such a scene.) I dare say Mr. K.'s wife was at that very moment, five
hundred miles off, darning her children's stockings.
"All the people did not dance the Polka," continued Ellen; "and I was
dazzled with the pretty faces, and the wise-looking heads. Mr. Webster was
there, with his deep voice, and solemn brow, and cavernous eyes; and close
up to him, where she could not move or breathe, there was a young face,
beautiful and innocent as a cherub's, looking with unfeigned astonishment
upon the scene. There was Gen. Scott, towering above everybody; and Mr.
Douglass, edging his way, looking kindly and pleasantly at every one. There
were artists and courtiers; soldiers and sailors; foolish men, beautiful
women, and sensible women; though I do not know what they wanted there.
There were specimens of every kind in this menagerie of men and women. Dear
Mr. Weston, I have not quite done. There was a lady writer, with a faded
pink scarf, and some old artificial flowers in her hair. There was _a she
Abolitionist too_; yes, a genuine female Abolitionist. She writes for the
Abolition papers. She considers Southerners heathens; looks pityingly at
the waiters as they hand her ice-cream. She wants Frederick Douglass to be
the next President, and advocates amalgamation. I am quite out of breath;
but I must tell you that I looked at her and thought Uncle Bacchus would
just suit her, with his airs and graces; but I do not think she is stylish
enough for him."
"But, my dear," said Mrs. Weston, "you forget Bacchus has a wife and twelve
children."
"That is not of the least consequence, my dear madam," said Ellen; "I can
imagine, when a woman approves of amalgamation, she is so lost to every
sense of propriety that it makes no difference to her whether a man is
married or not. Now, Alice, I resign my post; and if you have any thing to
say I will give you the chair, while I run up to my room and write aunt a
good long letter."