Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1847-05-13

PORI lob ACCO, NIL. L
lieved by the appearance of Miss Bridget,
who spoke to me rather cordially and ex-
pressed some qualification at my being pre-
sent. Perceiving was stranger to her
friend, she Immediately observed, "Mr.
let me make you acquainted with Mr.. Eze-
kiel Shanks - Mr.. Shanks, Mr.. -"
Whereupon we both arose, extended to each
other the right hand, and then took our seats.
! learned afterwards that this Mr.. Shanks
was bachelor, the patriarch Of the neigh
borhood whom all the old women and old
maids idolized. He was also a halfway
sort Of temperance lecturer and preacher
and the elliptic oracle that was consuke ed
in troublesome times.
! 1t was nov candIe-light, and the next
room was made musical by the raltlngsnf
tongues. My expectations were all on to-
toe. thought the young girls were hidiag
themselves, and were too hash!ul to make
their appearance. was wishing to sglf
/ that Miss Bridget would make them cone
into the parlor, when the next door opened
and negro girl as black as ''midnight in a
coal pit'' announced that tea was ready. =
| Miss Bridget led the way, saying "Walk in
gentlemen to tea'' Mr. Shanks and my: .lf
followed
In the whole of my intercourse with go
ciety never recollect of having been so
sadly disappointed, or having had so great
a damper put upon the ardor OF my feelings
as when | entered that room. Expecting
to see party Of light-hearted young g:fls
with floating ringlets, bright eyes and WIN
ming smiles, what did | behold three cid
maids as prim and stiff as maypole, with
looks that would have soured the sweetest
pan of milk from the best country dairy.
There they stood the faded emblems of I'M
fortunate humanity dressed out in fancy
silks with multon-leg sleeves, and having a
deep fril Of ruflies around their necks some
thing after the manner of old Queen Bcss
, was introduced by Miss Bridget to one as
Miss Charlotte Spinkey; to another as Miss
Belsev Duhbs, and to the third as Miss an
geica Sniiile. TO each made formal
bow which they returned with a slight mo-
lion of the head. Having gotten through
with this part of the ceremony, MIR. Sha ks
which he did after having pronounce! a
grace which hungry man would have CON
sidered rather too lengthy. The table twas
neatly spread, having upon it a print OF flesh
butter, hot rolls and corn cakes dis. OF
apple sauce, smoked herrings, radishes "a
pitcher Of sweet milk. By. there 49,
Itning W.. 1T, anu mat was POI Efsss +
@aiiee. This however was no. adE,e
firil,Aing party. Instead of coffee there "a,
on the right Of Miss Bridget black earth9n
tea pot, through the spout Of which poured
current Of steam scented with tile odor OF
the gunpowde imperial. Upon the fire was
a large iron tea kettle boiling ofskly. In
each corner dosed two catszss.s3 near tie
chair Of Miss Re;dsel stood che-eyed fee,
with tail tightly curled anxiously looking
up in the face of his mistress for something
to eat. When tea was dished out the
tongues of this interesting party began TO
revolve like the paddles of steam boa, IN
der high press of steam. Miss Spnky
commenced by saving, ':IIave you heard the
news" 'No! Mop was the answer OF
all. "What is it?'' "Well you see they
say Alice Jonas is going to marry Frederick
Dawsonn' "What a pity" observed Miss
Dubbs. ayes, indeed,'' said Miss Smile.
Il thought Alice had more sense. would
not marry such man if there was no other
in the world. DO you know that this
young man gets drunk, CANDLES and is
spending his money fast? Lor me, how
foolish some of these young girls are!
am surprised at Alice's mother. | wonder
she don't put stop to it. Alice might be
very fine girl, but poor thing she has been
spollt by the attentions shown her, and she
is very weakmintled, you know'' ooh p
replied Miss Bridget, ''old Mrs. Jones thinks
MIR. Dawson is rich, and so fond is she oil
money that she would be willing for Alice
to marry any sort of character provided he
had wealth. Don't you see how she in
vlles no one but rich young men to her
house, and how she honevs them up?-don'
tell me-can't you see what she is after =
she is going to all the balls III the neighbor,
hood and having card parties at her house
for the young folks! Yes, and the mex
! Sunday she will come to church and look
as sanciifed as a saint. Oh, what world i:
this p yes, ladies,' observed MIR. Shanks
in deep hoarse voice, "It is very wicked
world and the people, instead of growing
better, are becoming worse.' Here there
was pause of about minute. felt afraic
to speak lest might bring upon myself thi:
battery of vituperation. Miss Dubbs wa:
on the eve of finishing the fourth cup of tea
, when she let out upon a certain Mr.. Mugg:
| and his wife. "Now, there is John Mugg:
who has just been married twelve-month
and he treats his wife like beast. Sail,
, Stiggins came to my house yesterday ant
told me they had regular fight; but be
leve he is not to blame, for they say hi:
, wife drinks" "Is it possible 10 exclaimed