Mariposa Democrat., 1857-04-22

/ uppSi WI hiEh PASS'N'Nt G''eS's ''~'e 'sNNN''
principle, Ia Franchise and fiddlc-sticks,
latest improvements, and all that went to
the tca-fght-God forgive me- Arriving at
the door, was salaamed in by the finest
dressed nigger ever saw, and entering the
drawing-room, around which the guests were
arranged every other one gentleman, and
every other one lady, dropped, in state
of collapse and embarrassment, into a seat near
est the door. | was not suffered TO remain
long in repose; a nigger, holding in his hand a
huge matter, covered with empty plates, en-
tered the door and marched right up to me,
first man. The brilliant idea flashed on my
mind that this manGuvre was only prelude
to setting the table, and the paDtomime of po-
king the machine with empty plates on it to-
ward me was quickly interpreted to signify
that he desired little assistance, or, in other
words, that he expected me to hold the concern,
whilst he broughtin the table, spread the cloth,
&c. On this hint acted Springing up hur-
riedly, for fear Of exposing my ignorance of
hdut ton, seized the "institution" which he
held out to me with both my hands, and strove
to disengage IL from the servant. Now came a
scene--the servant backed, I forwarded, shook
the wditer until the plates thereon jingled
again, to satisfy him that had good grip on
it, and that he might safely give it up; whis-
pcring, by way of quieting his apprehcnsions,
"I've got it-let got" But the black rascal
hung on manfully. Up to this point my eyes
up in the servants face il was in broad
grin, ivory all exposed, as he sad, "let 60
massa." A hasty glance around the room as
surcd me that | had played ." the divil," and
committed some horrible breach of etiquette
let go the waiter as if it had been red hot,
and, at that instant would have been delighted
to let 60 all hold on existence and all mundane
appurtenances, and would have been willing,
in the bargain, to have signed deed of rclin-
qushmcnt to every thing expected the old
man, my father, would bequeath me, for the
happy privilege Of shuifling off this mortal
coil" on the spot. | fell back into my seat
feeling worse than any criminal. But my
trials had not yet ended-the Internal servant
again approached me; again was at loss
to divine what he wanted me todo; a moment
ago, Il was clear that he did net desire my as
sistance in supporting the waiter Of plates ;
now, it occurred to me, as no one else came
forward to relieve him, he had changed his
mind, and had concluded to accept "aid and
comfort" from me, whom he had honored by
such aattering preference, on frst entering the
room, as to single out as his irst-assistant
waiter holder in ordinary.
Just as was asreachng out my hand to clutch
the waiter again. overheard angel Angelina
say to that dandy, Bob Sutton, whom intend
to whip if ever catch him out Of Mobile,
Pray, dear Mr.. Sutton, don't move or say a
word, but wait and only see what it will do
next" At the moment these words conveyed
no meaning to my mind, as the servant was
just then making communication to me of
an interesting character. In obedience to his
instructions, nervously took an empty plate
from the waiter. The other guests likewise
helped themselves to empty plates. BrisAly
on the heels Of the first servant came another,
whose waiter was covered with empty cups
and saucers. He, also, made break at me
first began to feel that knew ali about
matters, With commendable sang .Jroid pro-
vided myself with an empty cup and saucer
the other guests ditto. | saw another waiter
with eatables, and with drinkables approach
ing, and having both hands entirely occupied,
one in holding my plate, and the other my cup
and saucer, began to discern breakers in the
distance. AS had but two hands, and they
both engaged, it was demonstrated that if
got any thing to eat or drink, somebody would
have to help me; and once helped if got
anything in my mouth besides the tea, some
body would have to put it there. The imps
of darkness came to me, as usual, first.
"Have some tea, Mr.. Brisson?" His hands
were both required to sustain the waiter, mine
to support my plate, cup and saucer. l real
ly wanted some tea, but to get it was mani
festly out of the question, so ! answered:
"No, thank you, wouldn't choose any"
DO take some tea," urged Mrs. General
Jones' from the other side of the room; "you'
find it very nice, Mr.. Brisson."
"No, thank you, man," says !, seeing nc
possible way to get myself helped if said yes
81 am not fond of tea ~ which was as big q
lie as ever was told, but what was fellow tc
do?
The tea passed along, and next came wait
er groaning under bountiul supply of cold
turkey, cold ham, Clipped venison, cakes, &c
Although was very hungry, inwardy pray
ed to be skipped-that this cup might pass
But no, the waiter stops before me. felt q
nervous jerking and twtching all over, as re
Piled to an invitation to help myself
No, | thank you--would'nt choose any"
"Why, Mr.. Brisson," said the lady of tn,
house, not suspecting the cause of my refusal
"are you unwellf"