The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1872-03-13
An Arkansas Dance.

The following interesting descrip.
ton Of an Arkansas dance, is given by
jenkins, of the Helena, {Ark.,) World
); The hop at the Shelby House, the
announcement of which some days
since was the occasion of so much ex.
pectancy and tirefess and unceasipp
getting in readiness for the rare en-.
|Joyments we'll known to predominant
at that hospitable and homelike man.
sion, came off Wednesday evening
last. AS the whole souled and benevo.
lent proprietHss, Mrs. Jane S. Whayne
was known to have launched to ex-
tremity her. energies and excellent
taste in the management of the dane
ing department and presiding over
the culinary portion, of course, the
wishes and hopes of all who were in
bright anticipation of all that elegance,
splendor and good taste could bring
forth, were guaranteed the fulfillment
of their desires in thoughts of the
direction from whence SO much
pleasure was to emanate, noted at all
times for the princely style of its en-
tertainments, which are only height
ened 10y the feeling of good will to all
that pervades the pleasing countenance
of the proprietress, so noticeable to
us, SO .honored.
The dancing starting at an early
hour, those of us who delight in that
fascinating and pleasurable exercise
were only too eager to step forward
when so much beauty and magnifcence
held sway. Beautiful was our ladies
on that memorable and never-to he
forgotten occasion. All types of beau
ty prevailed, and in no manner were
they the least envious of one another,
each shade had its sphere, and that
one seemed towering DER all. All
alike we're they, no feelings of emula-
ton, no Jealousy, nor anything save
that sylph-like demeanor and siren
expression that they in their innocence
and sweet department are noted for.
Quadrilles, polkas, galops the verso
vienne, the waltzes and the schottische,
were INDUCED in, and each accorded
that sense Of tactics in the measures.
The evening was above all the pre-
ceding one of this season in the total
disappearance of everything pertain
ing to gloom and the origin of all the
scenes not pleasant that are brought
forth by an 'oerchanging clohd which
naturally causes much uneasiness
when occasions similar, like to the
one mentioned, are receiving that
degree of meditation due them by the
proposed participants.
After the indulgence in three or four
quadvilles, commingled with a like
number of waltzes, ETC., supper was
announced, and all eyes, on entering
the room, were transfxed with ad-
miration. On all sides, arrayed in
imperial splendor, could be observed
the result of days of toll and care ex-
perienced by our exemplary hostess in
thus contributing to tue happiness and
enjoyment Of her scores of friends.
who will ever hold in grateful remem-
brance the many traits of character
possessed by the originator of that
gorgeous and cxtravagant spectacle.
Cakes, iced, with all the sweets imagin
able, and varying in style, by scores.
We thought to ourselves, surely one
fourth of this portion of the feast
would be abundant. Yet no kind or
quality of this great delicacy that is
always prominent on the board was
left, and profuse attention not lavisbed
on the arranging of the same.
Wines from the vineyards of Oporto,
Bordeaux and MADEIRA were in great
profusion. Through the toasts oftimes
drank through those precious mediums,
conveyar ce Of esteem and great love,
one could not fail to observe the sense
OF appreciation from the overioyed
guests in favor of one whom on that
evening all delighted to honor, for The
distribution around them of feast un-
paralleled on the list of entertainment
of a like order that has ever been the
good fortune of Helena, in her good
ideas, and correct management Of
such affairs to yet bring forth fowls
turned in all styles, and tropical luxu-
ries on the list of entrees, combined
with all the facilities of our city that
furnish usual occasions, were adding
weight to the grand mass of this extra
ordinary collection in the line ode
cuisine" which all around were high
in their compliments of praise rs the
most elegant and by far the finest on.
tertainment ever attended by any
there assembled. After this dispense
ton of the attendance of all from the
board the dancing was resumed and
to early dawn, when on
taking their respective departures
rom the scene of SO much pleasure