Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-09-03
For the Spectator. I

MEssRs. EDITORS In company with our
kind friend, the Major, we stored ourselves away
in his comfortable couch for a trip to the Au-
gusta White Sulphur Springs, to be present at
the masked ball. The evening was fine; the
scenery beautiful and, with such pleasant COM
pany, we could but anticipate pleasant time
Although the road was not in the best cond-
ton, ito which fact we call the attention of the
Road master,) our splendid pair of bays took us
along in splendid style. The bracing mountain
air was truly delightful after months of conine-
ment in town. With pleasant conversation our
drive through the lonely and romantic scenery
on every side was highly enjoyed by all hands
We arrived at the Springs about 8 O'clock
Everything was in commotion. Lights shining
out from the hotel-already resounding with
sounds of Observation-Disclosures swinging from
the branches OF the neighboring trees, giving
the whole place an air Of enchantment. We
were kindly received by the attentive proprietor,
and procuring room, we brushed up a little !;
and proceeded to do justice to the tempting
viands of mime host which being done to
our entire satisfaction. Costumes were donned
and we entered the ball room, under the pro-
lection of young Spanish lady who kindly Of
fered to take charge of us. We were greeted
at the door by a frantic and unearthly yell,
which proceeded from the throat of young
Indian warrior engaged in an impromptu war
uuuOC CdlCluuy dfOIUlIlS Luo young savage, we
were halted by an old maid, who volunteered
the information that all men are deceitful and
desperately wicked. Much shocked at this
slanderous charge, and while endeavoring to re-
fute it, we received very pointed hint from the
tall hat which we took to be that of clown,
that it was time to move on, and move on we
did to be run foul Of and nearly capsized by
the rough jostling of young Jack Tar, who
advised us to post our helm, and steer to lar
board, or he would stave in our bulkhead, and
otherwise damage our rigging. Somewhat con-
fused by the nautical phraseology of our sailor
friend, we turned to find ourselves confronted
by stout country lass leaning on the arm of a
well dressed cavalier, steering clear of these, we
came across graceful looking black domino en-
gagged in lively Irritation with one Paul Pry.
Poor fellow, he must have suffered from the
flashes of those bright eyes, which even the
mask could not hide. On every side were
| flower girls and peasants, both male and fe-
male, queens clown, &c. Conspicuous in the
throng stalked the knight of the fourteenth
century, with his bright helmet and dancing
plume, nodding pleasantly to all as he capered
nimbly down to the dance, instead Of being snug
and comfortable in his grave, as all such old
coves Of that age are supposed to be. The mu-
sic was good, and under its enlvening influence,
we all tripped the light fantastic with vim !;
about twelve all hands unmasked. The dane
ing, however, continued until one o'clock, when
the party broke up and we returned to our
cabin, firmly convinced that there was no place
like A. W. s. for having good time generally.
c. K