Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-10-26
AIexa. Gazette Il Virginia Advert
A PLEASANT PARII.


A PLEASANT PARTY.
The following Very complimentary uotice Of
late entertainment at the hoSpitable, palatial
residence of COL Clement March, of Jectfrrson
county, w. Va, is from the Mansfield, Tioga
county, Pa, ADVERTISER
.--reQuests the'--ctc., ETC.
You all know the different degrees Of pleas
ure felt on the receipt Of a formula such as the
above-degrees ranging 10 accordance with the
especial 'Col. OF MADAM whose compll-
meuts are thus presented-but | venture to
say you have not experienced the most delight
ful sensations OF expectation unless you have
been 10 Virginia and have had one of those
neat messages containing a request for your
company, with the Compliments of this
particular Coloue. speak from experience.
This gentleman is veritable old bachelor of
ample means, and he lives some four miles from
this town Of Charles. Our invitation was Tor
eight D. IN. but some delay arising it was 81
before We were fairly enroute. The night was
dark, and certain person felt somc qualms of
fear, when she heard that portion OF the way
lay through wood only on account uf
stumps); but these all vanished as the
dreaded woods appeared for there enchaD
ment began. japanese lanterns, OF lovely
form and colors, were suspended tron the
trees, lighting the path about Us, and beyond,
twiukllng like stars among the trees, mark
ing the wndings of the road. These subducd
lights enhanced the darkness on either side,
causing shadows to loom across our way, giving
everything wlerd look As we approached
turn in the road the lights ahead would be ap-
pareuty so grouped as to enclose space but
We advanced only to see these magic lights still
10 the distance, arranging themselves like YER
liable "Will-o-the Wisp. AS we ueared the
house the lamps grew larger, and through open
windows aud doors streamcd brighter light, as
If to aid our host-Who met Us at the head Of
the steps--in welcoming US to "Claymont.
The dressing rOom seemed one Ilpe OF cOors,
as the ladies futtered to and fro before the
mirror, giving themselves those last little fin
ishipg touches, before they joined the gentle
men at the foot Of the stairs and passed into
the parlors to greet the hostcsses- two charming
Young ladies in whose honor the party was
given The fairer Of the two claims kluship
with "Our Country's Father" and the famed
brightness and grace of the Washogtons fud
in her fitting representative. After greetings
were exchanged, cards and pencil were soon
busy noting engagements for the coming dauces
The musicians took their seats, aud light feet
nothiug 10th, were soou, busy fulfilling these
engagements. One custom new to Us, was the
securing, by the gentleman, Of Il vis-a-vis who
would be agreeable to his partner; custom
which has much to commend 1t, and ensures
a pleasant set. Square dances are most pop
ular. as the ladies never favor the gentlemen
with round dances unless they chanccto be a cous-
in or near relative aud as it naturally happcns
that these are more attentive to some other
boay's sister or cousin, the round dances are
not we'll patronized. You kDoW the provcrbal
saving that there s time for everything; hav-
ing mad time to donce, there now drew near
time to appreciate the bountiful provision for
our refreshmcnt 10 the dining room. If the
tables did not literally groan beneath the weight
of delicacies, am sure 1t must ouly have been
because they have become so accustomed to
their owner lavish hospitality, that they have
learned to endure with patience. There was
everything to tempt one, from meats OF various
kinds down through numberIesS changes of
cake, ices, fruits and choice wines. al o
heard some whispered references TO lemon
toddy" among the gentlemen.
Uapciug was resumed after supper, but at
the small hours were coming and going very
fast, and there was the long drive home oue
aud another said Good night, which il a lit
tie untimely at that hour was nevertheless a
condensed expression Of the pleasure We had
experienced.
The outlines of this party no doubt seem like
many you have seen, but it really differed from
many, from this fact !: 1t had soul What
it was, how it was, or where it was, canuot
tell so | simply state the fact. Some say its
because. CLAY mcut' is IL veritablc bachelors
hall, but that is an Indirect libel upon the la.
dies
AS write, a note is brvuGnt mc. open
it:
AT home--W ednesday at l.ooA- Uaymont
Sept. 2l, "a. >
A reception ! While we are yet talking of
him, he reaches out his hapd to uSagain. Shall
We go? Why We would not miss it for the
world t.
How THEY SHAVE IN CHlNA.-A fellow
who has been shaved in China says that his