The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-11-12

too, and since the idea OF the hostess on
such occasions seems to be TO have as great
a variety as possible, so that all may find
something TO their taste. the venturesome
American may become acquainted with a
great many dishes which he has hitherto
known only by name.
a German informal supper is conducted
on different principles from one
in this country. When supper was an
nounced, the hostess asked the gentlemen
TO take their ladies'" namely, the ladies
they were talking to, 10 the supper room,
and they promptly complied, conducting
them TO the door Of the room. There a
sight met them that was a wonder 10
American eyes. A picture carefully painted
by an artist OF the old Dutch school might
perhaps do justice To the appearance OF
the table, but nothing short OF personal
experience could convey TO one all the SEN
sations received, especially through the nos
trils. The table stood against a wall. and
on the back OF the table were placed three
large dishes OF fruits and cakes. The fruit
knives We're all stuck in among the fruits
and cakes with the handles b~ristling out
ward.
ABUNDANCE OF EATABLES.
The remaining space on the table was
literally covered with dishes containing
viands hot and cold, sweet and sour, all OF
true German make and 10 the German taste
delicious in the extreme. but to the uninitia-
ted American doubtful in character; and
since the guest in a German house is ex-
pected not only to eat heartily but to eat
all he takes on his plate. the sight of the
table was calculated TO arouse vague APP
prehensions. But there was variety, and
choice was offered, choice of hot boiled
ham, hot boiled potatoes, hot cabbage,
boiled in vinegar, hot "~leberwu;st," or ".iv-
er sausage" cold raw ham, "~blutwurst," or
blood sausage" cold tongue. various I'M
namable sausages, caviare. cold potato and
fish salad, strong cheese, black bread, rolls
and butter, and all after 8 o'clock at night;
but IT Is a question whether these are any
worse for the digestion than ice-cream and
lobster salad. Having secured a knife, and
fork, and plate, each lady, after carefully
looking over these dainties. made her choice,
and, having filled her plate. returned with
it TO the parlor, where, meantime, small
tables had been placed and set with large
seats at these tables, reserving places for
their gentlemen" who soon Joined them
with their plates also well filled. And then.
since in Germany as well as in America,
the way TO a mans heart is through his
mouth" the conversation waxed loud and
hearty. The gentlemen drank to the health
of their ladies'" and the American guest,
and soon, as II by preSsSne ee signal; al
asked the guests to finish the glasses that
the tables might be removed. and all hav-
ing complied, they at once arose ana shook
hands with her and one another and wished
each other cordially the "mahlzeit," with
which every meal in Germany begins and
ends.
The tables being removed. the ladies adj
journed 10 one room and the gentlemen to
another, and both parties put on the most
hideous masks and then met again in the
parlor. There seemed to be no object in
this but to create a hearty laugh as a d.
gester for "abendbrod." or evening bread"
as the supper is modestly called. Games
were then played, one with a brush seeming
TO be the favorite. The company stood in a
close circle, with arms at their sides and
with one of the number in the middle. A
clothesbrush was passed rapidly from hand
to hand by those in the circle, who brushed
the player in the center whenever his back
was turned. The object of the latter was TO
catch one of his assailants in the act of Civ
ing him q surreptitious rub. About IL
o'clock the merriment subsidized, and, the
ladies having gathered up their work, babe
"adieu" to the host and hostess, and, ac-
companied by their escorts, went home.