Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1853-03-19

perhaps some, who continued IN propria persona,
the delightful firtations commenced masque.
AS the Eitching hour of twelve approached, we
found the masks had one by one, been laid aside,
until in the procession which filed off to the sup
per room, we recognized familiar faces, with only
here and there an exception, in handsomely attir-
cd cavaliers, who maintained their DISCUSSES. In
a spacious saloon, ample board was spread,
with the produce of every cline. Fruits from the
land of the sun, and rich conserves and cakes,
ruby madeira-the treasures of ocean, earth and
air, were all served up in the most elegant and
unique style.
All did ample justice to the rich repast-but as
prominent among those being well satisfied, were
the holy Fathers. We were especially honored,
several times during the evening, with the kind no.
tice of the wassail-loving jolly "Friar Tuck, +"
the "Holy clerk of Copmanhurst," whose deep
"Pax vobiscum," and most uncanonical mirth,
inmitably sustained the character. We were
much inclined to suspect from their great intima-
cy, and seeming congeniaity both at the table and
elsewhere, that the Black Knight in the costume Of
a fine specimen of Highland form, and character,
had concluded to spend another evening with the
"Jolly Friar, - in a social aCay.
Near by, and in close confidence and compan-
ion ship with the two last, was another Jolly Friar
whose mirthfu mood had scarcely permitted him
to preserve his assumed character, with a gentle
man whose polished ease and courteous address,
transported us at once, to the gay and brilliant
court of Charles the Second. AS we noticed his
wel-c coat-stylish hat and floating plume,
silk hose and buckled knee,-we could but regret
that Fashion, no less the tyrant ofman than wo-
man, had banished this costume, from his ward
robe. This interested and interesting group Of
friends, with some others, not in character, other
than their own though certainly not out of char
acter at good supper, seemed to enjoy them
selves much-we almost envied them their real
expulsion of s'dull care.''
The supper over, we again repaired to the dane
ing Saloon, and while all seemed to grow almost
giddy, in the perpetual whirl of the gay Spanish
dance-one of the most amusing characters of the
evening" whom we denote as Miss Leslie's "Aun
Quimby," made her appearance in her old fash
Toned bonnet, and handbook under arm, evidently
impressed with the proprety of retiring for the
evening, and yet too sensible of the rudeness o
an unceremonious departure, without bidding the
company, as well as the host Ito all of whom she
felt under the most enduring gratitude for an eve
nings transport to younger and brighter days. al
affectionate, and familiar farewell At first shC
patiently waited awhile, the supposed termination
of that neverending dance, still holding on to he
band box-by and by, she appeared to grow weary
and restless, moving with perplexed air and man
ner around the spacious hall, almost as one il
search of something lost,-fnally, she seized al
opportunity of an accidental intermission in tn,
dance, and began the work of courtesying ant
shaking hands, with the large company. He
partner who had sustained the character of very
old gentleman in most remarkable manner, i'm
patiently waiting at the door, her ''grand round,
added much to the merriment of the scene.
This late, or rather early warning, Git being
past 8 o'clock) was not lost on the reluctant as
semblage.
| The music and the gay dance cease. The spa
cious halls and laughter echong dome, are sool
quiet, and silent, at that hour they wont t.
be-and our friend the Host, is again alone, a
some may be wicked enough to desire to keep him
for fear that partner in the concern" nigh
add nothing to their enjoyment for the future
! For ourself, in common with many warm friends
we wish him, not only good night but the re
alization of bright dreams of sweet face, ant
sweeter heart and mind, who shall often shar
with him the qualification of affording their friend
an entertainment SO magical and splendid.
! ARIEL.
Columbus March 18th, 1855