The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1874-11-26
Mr.. Atherton shook his head and COM

ton"
els it possible that any one could do
a thing like that?" asked Mrs. Atherton.
eyes. There are persons who take a
strange pleasure in annoying others with
practical jokes; and the greater the an.
noyance they can produce, the higher
is their qualification. To some one of our
friends who seeks enjoyment in this un-
generous mode, we are, no doubt, in
debted for the affair we have on our
hands this evening. i can only say that
/ have particular reasons for regretting
the mode he has chosen to annoy us.
But, as our friends are here, innocently,
we must not only do our best to entertain
them, but avoid the slightest intimation
that they were not expected"
In this all agreed. While conversing,
the bell was kept constantly ringing, and
party after party of guests arriving.
81 wonder how many more are COM
ing ?" remarked Mrs. Atherton, rs she
listened to mingling of several voices
in the passage, after the street door had
been again opened. N
"It will be large party, without
doubt" remarked Mr.. Atherton; "fOr
when an affair of this kind is gotten up,
it is rarely halfway piece of work"
"We will have to procure refresh
ment," said Helen.
"Certainly. The company are here
upon our invitation, as they suppose, and
we must give them suitable entertain
ment."
"It is too late to provide regular sup
per-" suggested Mrs. Atherton.
",Yes; that is now out of the question.
We shall have to confine ourselves prin-
cipally to cake, wine, fruit and confec-
tiOnery."
"And make pretty liberal order for
that, if the company continues to assem-
BILE much longer at the present rate"
said Mrs. Atherton.
Her husband did not answer to the re-
mark, but suppressed sigh that was
throwing itself involuntarily from his
bosom.
ave must decide this matter soon,"
suggested Mrs. Atherton.
eyes. In half an hour or so, we will
be able to make some estimate of what
will be wanted. Then will send round
to Parkinson an order tor icc-cream, cake,
confectionery, etc., for a party of a given
number; and to our grOcers for wine and
fruit"
This and other little matters pertain
ing to the entertainment being settled,
they returned to the parlors and rejoined
the company. AS Mr.. Atherton was en-
tering the rooms, now pretty well filled,
he was still more surprised than he had
yet been, to hear the movement of a bow
across the strings of violin. This was
three or four times, and then a
air came from the instrument,
and there was movement in concert on
the floor. In other words, cotillon had
been formed and when Mr.. AthertOn
was able to take survey of the rooms,
he discovered a grinning negro fiddling
away in one corner, and the obedient
dancers threading their May circles in
harmony with the strains he was draw
ing forth.
Here was a new and not so easily ex-
planned feature in the affair. Who had
ordered the muse? That puzzled him.
But, as he dwelt upon it, light came in.
1t was only one of the harmonious
parts in the practical joke. The indi-
vidual who had amused himself with
sending invitations in the name of the
family, had, in the name of the family,
ordered fiddler. Sc that, after little
reflection, was explained.
Self-composed, atiable, and attentive,
the AthertOns moved amid their company
with an easy familiarity, so well assumed
that few could have detected, even with
close observation, the restless surprise
that lay beneath all.
About 3 o'clock, and Just as they were
about sending an order for refreshments,
two colored men entered and bore large
basket between them through the pas
sage into tho dining-room. There they
made themselves perfectly at home. The
tables in the room were set out, and
covered with cloths which they had
brought with them. Upon these were
arranged elegant china dishes, plates,
saucers ETC., with knives, forks, and
spoons.
Well, am confounded" !" exclaimed
Mrs. Atherton to her husband, as the
two met in one of the chambers above
for further consultation. 81 don't know
what to make of it"
"Nor do J." returned the husband.
"I confess to being entirely puzzled"
"It is. plain that supper has been or
dered by some one"
I" Yes, that is evident enough"
"Wouldn't il be well to ask some
questions of these colored walters who
have taken possession of the dining.
room. without as much as saying by
your leaveY'
No-no," replied Mr.. Atherton; We
will ask no questions; that would betray
our ignorance and surprise too much"
"There is no need Of our sending for re.
freshments."
"None at all. Instead of considering
ourselves entertainers, We may as vel
place ourselves among the entertained
and have no further care for anything.
And so the Athertons acted from that
II was in vain that efforts were made
through the most careful observation, tt
detect the master of ceremonies in this
singular affair. No one appeared more
forward than the other; but all acted in
uch perfect concert, that it was plain tc
Mr.. Atherton, at length, that some gen
eral understanding existed among tht
whole party. 80
At IL O'clock, one of the strange wait
ers came up to Mr.. Atherton and an
nounced to him that supper was ready
"Very well" replied Mr.. Atherton, a
naturally as If he had ordered the sup
per himself, and then gave notice to th'
company TO pass into the dining-room 70
Refreshments. A splendid entertain
ment had been provided. consisting o
all the delcacies served up on such oc
casions, both light and substantial, witt
an abundance of choice wines and rar
and delicious fruits.
1t can hardly be matter of wonder
that the continued surprise Of tn
Athertons took away all appetite for tn
dainties set forth in such tempting pro
fusion. They were active and attentiv
to all during the gay repast, but partoo
of little themselves.
After supper, the company went bacl
TO the parlors. A few more cotillion
were danced, and they all retired. A
halfpast twelve o'clock the Atherton
we're alone. The walters who had brough
In the supper had removed everything
n. = n Al