" Here, a group
are adjusting their sun-shades; there, another are preparing their
fans and nets. Then they follow the train, Clotilda and Ellen
leading their young representatives by the hand, bringing up the
rear among a cluster of smaller fry. Taking peaceable possession of
the house, they commence to clear the rooms, the back ones being
reserved for the sumptuous collation which Rachel and her juniors
are preparing. The musicians are mustered,--the young belles and
beaux, and not a few old bachelors, gather into the front room,
commence the f?tes with country dances, and conclude with the polka
and schottische.
Rachel's department presents a bustling picture; she is master of
ceremonies, making her sombre minions move at her bidding, adjusting
the various dishes upon the table. None, not even the most favoured
guests, dare intrude themselves into her apartments until she
announces the completion of her tables, her readiness to receive
friends. And yet, amidst all this interest of character, this happy
pleasantry, this seeming contentment, there is one group pauses ere
it arrives at the house,--dare not enter. The distinction seems
undefinable to us; but they, poor wretches, feel it deeply. Shame
rankles deep, to their very heart's core. They doubt their position,
hesitate at the door, and, after several nervous attempts to enter,
fall back,--gather round a pine-tree, where they enjoy the day,
separated from the rest. There is a simplicity-a forlornness, about
this little group, which attracts our attention, excites our
sympathies, unbends our curiosity: we would relieve the burden it
labours under.
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