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

78 WHITE SULPHUR PAPERS.
run by just now wdth the curling tongs, I must stop
writing in order to give a look at my own coiffure,
or I shall not be in time to witness the gi'and entree
into the dining hall.
After dinner I sauntered wdth the rest of the
world into the ball-room, which is the only general
parlour here. JMeeting with the J 's, we sat
down and had a long chat of more than an hour.
As they expressed a wish, on leaving the room, to
pay a visit in Baltimore Row, I accompanied them.
We found the door closed, which signifies here,
" not at home." We wrote our names and the hour
of calling, on one of the pillars of the piazza, and
retraced our steps home. If we had had cards
with us, it would have been in accordance with true
etiquette to have placed them under the door.
On
reaching my room, I wrote a long letter to S
,
entreating her to come and join us here.
After tea
I merely took two or three turns on the w^alk, and
then came up to seal my letter for the mail, and
make ready for the ball ; which, by the bye, was
the gayest and brightest we have had. " Murray "
played with spirit, and we encom-aged him by dancing
until half past ten—it was eleven before we had
talked the day over, and as it is now sometime after.
I very cheerfully say good night.