The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-12-06
A DREAM.
An Essay Read In b Benton Public School
Last Friday by Miss Edna Water
man, Aged IL Years.

man, Aged Il Years.
It was at the close of a lovely Thanks
giving day, Nov. 80, 1882, that I sat me
down to think how [ had spent the day,
and very soon concluded that it had been
decidedly dull; and not feeling in a very
cheerful mood, [ made up my mind to
consign myself to the arms of Morpheus,
the goddess of sleep, and by whose sooth-
ing influence I was soon in the lane OF
dreams, where everything around me
has changed. The moody feelings were
entirely vanished, and I was the gayest
of the gay. | had suddenly attained
that much desired period in the life of
every maiden (the age of sweet sixteen),
and being arrayed in q very becoming
costume, was ready to enjoy at last the
long looked-for event-my first ball.
But where it was to be, Oh what it was to
be like, [ had not yet been informed.
And as I stood trying to realize how this
strange affair had come about, the God
dess Of Enchantment once more stretched
forth her wand and Immediately the
tingling of bells sounded In my ears, and
soon q beautiful chariot drawn by fairy
horses stopped at the gate and out stepped
a gallant knight, who wore upon h
breast 8 golden badge OF honor. The
Goddess bowed, and the knight escorted
me to the chariot, and we We're soon fly
ing through the air, as it seemed to me,
for in less time than 1t takes me to write
1t, the chariot halted before q very large
and handsome building. [ was assisted
to alight and escorted by my gallant
knight to the beautiful reception room
where / beheld many other guests gayly
attired. Turning to my escort my tongue
became loosened and / begged him to
tell me where / was, and what this all
meant. He informed me that l was in
the Grand Union hotel, at Fort Benton,
and this was the knights of Pythias ball,
and forthwith conducted me into the
brilliantly lighted dining-room where
we joined in the grand march, and were
soon skipping the light fantastic toe to
the fine music of the band. / had many
admirers. and was just vain enough to
think that / was really the "beile Of the
bal" and being just sixteen, it was only
natural that | should believe the com
pliments were genuine. We danced I'M
til we were tired, and then came the re-
freshments, which consisted of a boun-
tiful repast of turkey, cakes that would
have reached the moOn-but / will not
attempt to describe, but will only say
that the tables were as bright and the
food as varied as the late brilliant dis
play of the aurora. Around the tables
were seated the wit and beauty of Ben
ton, from the gray-haired old man to
the little child, all enjoying themselves
to their hearts content. But n SO
happy as I, (the maid of sweet sixteen);
and just as I was wondering if this was
to last always, L was suddenly awakened
by papa saying, EDNA, get up to break
fast!"
Now all young naidens we must be,
Concontented with our lot;
For if we dream we are sweet sixteen,
We may be sure we are not.
And if we dream that we are pretty,
And are called the "belle of the ball.
Wen be sure to find on waking, !.
That pride mus. take a fall.
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