The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1873-12-26
CHAPTER ".

Mp sHVLTZ's DINNER.
The test Of grace and breeding Is the
table. People who pass easily all other
ordeals OF social intercourse may fail at
the feast Awkwardness, shyness, habits
OF n careless or isolated life are sure 10
be revealed by the knife and fork; nor
can ignorance of the worlds ways be
hidden under napkin. In all her six
teen Years Judith had never dined
abroad; nor had she been inducted
into the use Of silver forks, napkins or
fnger-boWls. The agents table was
therefore fresh surprise to her. And it
must be confessed that it was gotten up
with reference to effect. 1t was seldom
only when the owners paid . visit to
the rancho in company with gentlemen
from the Atlantic cities, or capitalists
from San Francisco-that the china and
silver were brought forth from their re-
treat in closet aud safe; that wine End
fruit in crystal vases beautified the
space between the viands on the heavy
white damask.
The sight Of so much eleganee-the
more unexpected from the simplicity OF
all the other appointments about the
place-quite dazzled the eyes OF Mr.
Shultz's guests. With hesitaney that
amounted to reluctance, Boone and
Judith seated themselves in the places
pointed out to them, and said "yes"
and "no' to the questions Of the carver
with the irreIevancy OF helpless BASH
fulness. But they were in the hands
Of a man Of resources.
"Now," said he, when the roast beef
and vegetables had been served, 81
have told my cook not to bring in cof-
fee for one hour; so we have plenty of
time for our dinner, and little talk be-
sides. Miss Judith, you must take n
glass of wine with met is only cham
pagne-and your brother, too. We shall
drink to the success Of his journey and
his happy return" And suiting the
action to the word, and the glasses be-
ing filled, Mr. Shultz lifted his toward
Judith first, then waving his hand to
Boone, drank to him as deferentially as
he had been the most accomplished Of
t'diners- out" Here followed more offers
of relishes, side-dishes, broiled chicken,
canned meats, and picked fruits in pro-
fusion.
Perceiving that Judith ate little and
was puzzled what to select, her host
proceeded to solve the problem for her.
at is for you and !, Mr. Miles, to eat
these heavy meats; Miss Judith prefers
this bit of broiled chicken. 1t is done
beautifully. Ny cook is a Chinaman
and nobody can cook a chicken like 8
Chinaman. They have talent for il
which comes from the love Of it. Wher
say to All Wing-T shall have
chicken for dinner he smiles from eal
to ear"
''That is like the niger at the South,
said Boone, finding his tongue. I'D,
YOU remember old Aunt Pallas, Jude
and her corn-bread and chicken? Sh,
could just cook the best in the world
couldn't she 90
sT remember old auntie very well,
returned Judith, who, having stolen
few glances at their host, was becoming
more at ease with her fork. ''She used Z
nurse me on her lap when was quite
large girl, and tell me ghost stories"
'Was she a slave % asked Nj
Shultz.
''Pap brought her from Alabama
where he owned her. But in Texas sh
was free; though she would not leav
nanny, whose nurse she had been,
explained Judith. gust before Pa
left Texas Pallas died-to the sorrow G
US ALL"
"The loss Of an old family servant is
great loss; and I can well understau
the feelings of the people Of the slav
States after the war had dissolved the oI
relations between the whites and n,
groes,n said Mr.. Shultz, with an appea
ance of interest in the subject. 81 thin
l should like TO have studied Il
Southern institutions before the wa
and the negro people-they have son
very pleasing traits, I often hear; al
they are naturally musical, am tol
How were you entertained by the Self
rita Inez, this morning ," looking
Judith.
80, thought her music very sweet.
wish could make as good"
''The Sefiorita plays very well. 1t
common accomplishment among {
Spanish and half-Spanlsh people. In
is belle among the Californians," !
marked Shultz TO Boone, with n smi
"She is not quite my style,n return
Boone, sheepishly; "though she's pref
enough, for native"
'She was very polite TO US, and kind
observed Judith, who did not like Boo
to make disparaging remarks about o
Of her own sex and age.
"Sefiorita Inez has eyes for goo
looking young American" returned \
Shultz, laughing.
',By hokey!" blurted out Boone, n
dening, az thought she had eyes fol
good-looking Dutchman."
Judith looked up in alarm at this o
burst; but their host was laughing al
he enjoyed the jest; and Boone was