Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-05
A Lively Tea-Party.

1t was a cold night, SO cold that a large
log fire was comfortable, and sent a rosy
glow over the damask. silver. glass and
china which made the tea table a thing of
beauty.
There was to be a real old-fashioned tea
party, everything on the table at one time
so frlendly-and each dish seeming so anx-
ious to please. The lovely bisque Candida
bras. with their pink candles and shades,
were determined that nothing should out
shine them, and the flowers in the center of
the table filled the room with fragrance.
Am not magnificent" asked the Amer
lean Beauty rose, while with proud toss
of her head she glanced down at her mod
est companions. the Malmaison and Sweet
Briar, who blushed for their vain sister.
My friends" remarked the little round
tea pot. i am almost too full for utter
ance, but I rise to bid you welcome NV
neighbor on the right is always kind
enough to make sweet speeches for me and
to him l leave the pleasure of greeting
YOU"
And most gladly I do So" said the
Sugar Bowl. but every organ in my body
Is being squeezed to death by that imperti-
nent little fellow, the tongs, who never
even says by your leave so the dear friend
next to me must come to my assistance"
And very happy L am to do So" sang
the prettily shaped MIX Pitcher, for am
not the cream of socety?"
She was interrupted by many indignant
voices
The italian Cream desired to say that in
her country
Excuse me-" remarked the Swiss Cheese
but L will not remain quiet and hear my
country"
Then in a very decided manner the Char
lotte Russo called them to order, and after
quiet was restored, a dainty little Sand
witch with pink ribbon sash lisped that
owing to the fact that her tongue was tea
in infancy she was unable to say all that
she felt on this occasion
A Vienna Roll came to the rescue and
with plying glances at the delicate thin
slices of bread opposite, made few touch
Ing remarks which brought tears to tho
eyes of those who were near the odd-look-
ing Pepper Cruet and Mustard Pot who had
been in the family for more than a CEN
fury.
Pleasant words and jests were passing
around the table when a disturbance was
heard in the neighborhood of the fruit,
where the Florida and Havana Oranges
were disputing as to precedence. or
course there were friends of both present
but the amiable California Pear and sweet
little Malaga Grapes settled the difficulty
by calling attention to the manner in which
they were nesting close to each other, even
If they were born and brought up in differ
ent lands.
The English Walnut, too, said a soothing
word, while from the four corners Of the
table the French Candies, in their lovely
costumes of all colors. smilingly begged the
Oranges to be friendly.
Kindly feeling was at length restored by
the Mayonaise Sauce, which, as usual,
threw coil ON the troubled waters" and all
went merrily until belligerent little Span
ish Olive exclaimed that the Scotch Cake
had been knocked fat by a Japanese
Waiter!
This was soon settled by a. German Sill
yer Pickle Fork that was close to them,
and very kindly disposed Water Pitcher
nearby gently remarked that he would be
compelled to put out of the room all who
were inclined to annoy
During all this time quiet little f1irtations
were going on among the Spoons. heartily
enjoyed by the laughing Plates, who stood
as sentinels on the sideboard. The Nap
kins with fringed and hemstitched trim
mings pressed closely together, and the
Finger Bowls sparkled with fun.
Suddenly the doors Were thrown wide
open and with a muffled 'Hush.' from
the head of the table, and OH! from the
Ginger and Marmalade in one breath. the
original occupants of the dining room be-
came quiet and demure, hearing their
praises sung, but forbidden to reply.