The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-06-02


the eminently respectable butler announced,
"Dinner is served" we passed ceremoni-
ously to the dining,room.
The sideboard flashed with the family
plate the damask table-linen glittering
cutlery, and cut-glass sparkled beneath the
chandelier Of wax lights; the butler stood
at his post by the sideboard, just at the
rear Of the hosts seat in solemn state, a
maid-servant behind madam's chair, and a
footman at either side of the table. I'm
mediately after We had seated ourselves, in
obedience to glance from the host, the
clergyman, a bright, rattling fellow Of
twenty-eight or thirty, looking as though
an officers uniform would have become
him better than the straight-cut clerical
garments worn Of the Church of England,
suddenly checked himself in galloping
description of u flower show, or | should
say, Sandwiched in between two sentences,
soto UOce, "FOr what we rabout to receive
metha Lord mekus truly thankful )" clos.
ing his eyes for a second only, and leaping
back to worldliness with speed that fairly
took my breath AWAY, and somewhat
shocked my Puritan ideas of the solemnity
due to an appeal to the Throne of Grace.
However, a blessing having been asked
dinner commenced by serving the soup,
which was of the first course, as We OBJ
served on menu, or little ornamental bill
Of fare, before each plate--a convenient
thing at an English dinner for regulating
ones appetite, and the preventing of ex.
hausting or throwing it away upon the
wrong course. Fish followed the soup,
and then came light wines, ordered by the
butler, but served by the ioctmen. After
the fish came boiled mutton, with deli
cious jelly aud accompanying vegetables
Then salads and side dishes. Claret wine
was then served. Next beef and other
roast meats; and now that the dinner was
fairly inaugurated, the great butler himself
served port and sherry, aud assisted the
ladies gracefully to champagne, filling to
the brim without spilling drop. Follow
ing the meats came course Of game, with
the usual accompaniments of jellies and
sauces. All this time lively conversation
was kept up, commenced at first and con-
tinued with your next neighbor till after
the remove of fish, when either the wine
or the effect of the generous dinner loosen
cd the tongues of all in general-hearty
conversation across, around, and about the
table.
Under the direction of the butler the
removes were made with the regularity of
machinery, and so timed that no hurry
was noticeable, no noise or catter of dish.
es heard, and at the finish Of each course
it seemed as though, just when you ccas.
ed, the next was being placed upon the
board. The butler understood every ex-
preston of his masters and mistress
countenance; n quiver of the eyelid, and
he dispatched his deputy to fill a half-empti-
ed glass The conversation turned on Ma.
deira wine, and before the first sentence
was half finished, observed the butler
dispatch a servant, who returned with a
bottle in twinkling; so that when his
master said, "Rollins | forgot to order
some Madeira, perhaps our good friends
may like it, that worthy Immediately re-
sponded, Owe have some here;" and the
squeak of the corkscrew mingled with his
unctuous and respectful tone. A glance
from the lady, his mistress, and this mas.
ter Of ceremonies proffered choice bit,
or had a change of plates, or proffer or
side dishes, or vegetables, or service made
with discernment that was wonderful.
In fact, as manager Of the dinner he was
perfection.
After the different courses which ended
with tarts and a species of frozen pudding
had been served, then came the dessert
of rich grapes, pine-apples, hot t.house
peaches, and other fruits These were in
turn followed by figs, raisins, dried fruits,
and nuts, With the fruits came in the
hosts boys, little fellows of eleven and
thirteen. They had each wine glass of
claret filed for them, and enjoyed them.
selves over a bunch of grapes, and such
other fruit as they desired They only
spoke when spoken to, and left when the
ladies rose to leave the gentlemen at their
wine, as is the English custom. This oc.
cured after the dried fruits, etc, had been
discussed, when the hostess set the exam.
pie by rising from her seat. She led the
way to the door, which was opened by the
butler, and was followed by the other
ladies, the gentlemen standing as they
passed out, and resuming their Seats as
the door closed behind them. The table,
meantime had been cleared of the remains
of the dessert, few fresh grapes, dishes
of nuts, dry rusk and biscuit alone remain.
ing. The servants, with the exception of
the butler, had retired. That worthy then
personally placed fresh glasses where want.
ed, aud set the decanters and bottles of
wine before his master, then placed hand.
bell at his elbow, aud, in obedience to
nod, softly vanished through door.
There was at this dinner vastly more
display than consumption of wine, as both
host and guests were alike somewhat ab.
stemious. l give, however, a faithful
record Of going through the form and
fashion of au English dinner, that an ilea
may be had to what an extent the use of
wines and liquors prevails in English fam.
lilies. After the ladies had retired, we sat
and pleasantly chatted, the clergyman
telling the merriest story Of any of the
party. Cigars were not introduced
"We'll 60 up into the billiardroom and
smoke, if you like" said the host but we
declined the invitation, and continued our
conversation.
At last our host turned out q glass of
sherry and drank from it, and passed the
decanter to his right hand neighbor, and
thought, after it had gone round, ave
had better join the ladies'" | then ascer.
tanned that the English fashion-so mine
host said, and said he knew not why it
was so---was that the last glass of wine
before leaving the table was one of sherry.
We found the ladies in the drawing.
room, and Immediately on our arrival
coffee was brought in by servant. After
this we had music from the ladies', an in
spection Of a portfolio Of rare engravings,
and collection of photographs of celebra.
ted places on the continent, and converse.
tion, the clergyman taking his leave about
half past nine. At ten P. NJ, precisely
| tho hullar cama in n nd ssoL n oorl Il. -.