White Sulphur papers; or, Life at the springs of Western Virginia

JOURNAL OF A LADY. 105
were to serve us as seats, and the wild rose and
honey-suckle were growing in the vicinity.
A table of rude planks had been hastily put together,
on which the servants were busily employed
ill
laying the cloth, and making the necessary preparations
for our dejeuner a la forchette. And as an
hour would elapse before their arrangements would
be completed, the merriest of us determined to
employ our time on a voyage of discovery through
the neighbouring woods.
We wandered for half an hour, penetrating the
darkest and most romantic looking glades, and
making bouquets and wreaths of the
Our progress at
wild flowers.
one time was somewhat retarded
Dy a broad stream, which required no little activity
to clear. Miss J being somewhat timid, Mr.
gallantly caught her up in his arms, and bore
her across, amid the bravos of the gentlemen, and
the approving smiles of the ladies.
Upon our return, we found the rest of the company
in high glee, and awaiting our reappearance.
The collation had by this time been spread, and very
soon the champaigne was circulating, and merriment
prevailed, while the band of music, stationed in the
trees at a httle distance, played their sweetest tunes,
though their sounds were nearly lost in the peals of
our own laughter and delight. Chairs being scarce,