The Shasta courier., 1860-03-24

II happened some years ago that lady of the
highest rank in Paris, named Madame B,
Had assembled in her chateau sixty distinguish
cd personages The entertainment was given in
honor OF the Prussian Ambassador and the
luxembourg, the Palais- Bourbon, and the Dip
lomatic body, all had. their representatives
among the guests. Every one had arrived, and
" the trying half hour before dinner passed in
brilliant chat. consul general recounted some
scenes in the private life of lbrahm Pacha !;
while deputy from Languedoc drew laughter
loud as ever came from lips polte-from the
groaps who surrounded him. as he read alOcd a
letter just received from of his electors
The worthy informed him he had two camels,
which he knew not what to do with, and mod
estly requested the deputy to sell them at a high
price to government for the Garden of Plants
" 1t won't cost the country mucb," he added,
"and will secure you my vote u
Madame B. was passing from one to another
of her guests with the most bewitching grace,
when suddenly she perceived her head butler
making telegraphic signals towards her from be-
hind the door.
"What's the matter?' said she, approaching
him.
'Ah, madame, great mishapp cried he
ohsping his hands.
" What is it 2"
"The cook is tipsy-indeed so very drunk that
be has not even caused the fires to be lighted
II he could even set about preparing dinner now
it would take four hours to make it ready"
By this tins the guests appetites were be-
come sharp, and diplomatic stomachs were in
question. Madame B. remained calm and se-
rene. 1t was impossible to avoid the difficulty ;
so she met it with smiling face.
Ladies and gentlemen" said She addressing
the company, invited you to dinner, but there
is no dinner to- be had; | have this moment
learned that my cook is intoxicated and if we
want to have the table covered, we must turn
cooks ourselves
The proposal was received with enthusiastic
applause. The Prussian Ambassador immedi-
ately turned up his sleeves; all the others fol-
lowed his example, and, amid merry peals of
laughter they descended, in a body, to the
Kitchen.
The cook was seated in an arm chair, looking
red as turkey cock, and as immovable a
sphinx. Around him were plenty of sauce
pans and stew pans but not vestige of any
thing satable Conquer or die" was their
motto !; and they conquered.
peer of the realm was placed in charge of
the spit; two ministerial deputies watched the
frying pans; three secretaries of the embassy
we're promoted to mix the sauces: and two pres
idents of the courts royal were set to skim the
pot. Seven or eight admirals and generals
waged valiant warfare on the poultry yard and
came of victorious with twenty dozen eggs, and
chickens and ducks innumerable.
All the ladies declared that they were perfect
" versed in making omelets accordingly there
was end to the dainties The most remark
able were, an omelet with rum by duchess an
omelet with truffles by n,archioness an ONE
let with asparagus by a viscountess, and a sweet
omelet by baroness.
Md
ments of the service she reserved to herself the
seasoning of the ragcuts. And how they did
taught
"Where's the vinegar ~ cried consul.
"a little parsley for my capon = shouted a
charge d'affaires.
''Salt and pepper if you please r demanded
secretary of State.
Flour for mel" vociferated the attorney gen.
sral
After the Ouelets there still remained so ma
ny eggs, that the ladies set to work and pre-
pared flied eggs, boiled eggs, sliced eggs, and
eggs beaten up III iroth-
While these active preparations were pro-
crossing, the cook tried now and then TO rise.
but sank down again with heavy sigh. Then
he would follow with his dropping eyes the
gentlemen in black coats, and the ladies in satin
robes, all protected with napkins, feeling totally
unable to comprehend this invasion of his en-
pire.
At zen o'clock Madame B. announced. in the
midst Of general enthusiasm, that dinner was
ready and shortly alter they all sat down to
table.
Every one had earned dinner and an appe-
tite, and the dishes were pronounced by accla-
nation excellent Seldom was banquet so
thoroughly enjoyed; aud at a late hour the IL
lustrious guests separated. in good hnmor with
each other, with their hostess, and with them
selves.