The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1908-07-03

We have often read descriptions Of
sunptuOus and elegant entertain
ments. They appear almost daily in
our public prints. The reporter ex-
hausts his vocabulary in high-fiCwn
language and hyperbOle TO depict the
festal adornings of the apartments,
the rich display of dress, the magnifi-
cent array of jewelry, and the stump
tuousness of the table which mine
host" spreads in lavish and unlimited
splendoT. Under frescOed ceilings,
between walls broken in to make room
for rare specimens of statuary, be-
meath blazing chandeliers, the favor
ed guests engage in the may pleas
ures of the dance, amid silks that
rustic, and diamonds that glitter, eyes
sparkling and cheeks glowing under
the natural exhilaratiOn of the occas-
ion and the artificial impulse impart-
ed by too frequent and cOpiOus
draughts of wines.
The entertainment Of which we
write was not of this kind. It's begin
ming and its ending was the very re-
verse of this. There were no frescoed
walls; no flashing diamonds; no rust
ling silks; no enviOus array of pump
and fashion; no noise of the city's
din; no fawning batteries; no I'M
meaning compliments; no gilt and
tinsel; no vanity of vanities 1t was
simple gathering of ladies, gentle
men and children in the quiet woods.
No pinched-up mimicry, no fashiOna-
bic restraint, no unreal actions, no
practiced conversation. There was
nothing unreal. The simplicity of the
gUests-in costume and manners
was in keeping with the simplicity of
the woods about them. The day could
not have been more prOpitious. The
sun rose beautiful and bright. Not a
speck OF cloud streaked the azure
skies. Scft breezes dispelled the heat.
At an early hour buggies, hacks, carts,
carriages, wagons and other vehicles
We're seen rolling over our new paw
ed streets. They were soon filed with
precious freight. and ringing laughter
was heard on the highway to the
spring. The party arrived there at
timely hour, and Captain Rice of the
steamer Okeehumpkee was cOnspicu-
Gus from that time till late in the af-
ternoon in his unceasing attentions to
his guests, and if singing ones prais-
es by fair and mellifiuent voices will
make a man happy he ought to be
the happiest man in the universe.
After viewing the beauties OF the
spring, floating over its crystal
depths, cogitating on the mysteries
Of its prysmatic colors, and wonder
ing whence come the billion little fish
es that now sport in its strange, mys-
tefiOus waters. the whistle of the
unique little steamer sounded all on
board and we were soon speeding
down the clear. silver stream.
The steamer soon reached Delk's
Bluff, where the passengers disem-
barked, the table was spread, and be-
meath the spreading oaks and tall
magnOlias the timer man" was re-
freshed and satisfied. There was re-
vivifying conversation, ringing laugh
ter, rambles in the woods, and some
of the party strolled up to the once
beautiful residence of Mrs. Avery.
I The fences were all down, and the
flowers and shrubbery had almost dis
appeared. However, many bouquets
were gathered and the pleasures of
the walk were enjoyed. The length
ening shadows of the evening admOn-
| ished the party to make preparations
! for returning, and soon our gallant
little steamer was putting toward the
setting sun. The trip back was enliv-
! ened by music and dancing. Eyes
twinkled merrily, and hearts were
both lost and won.
! After passing a hat-full of thanks to
the clever-hearted captain, the va
rious vehicles were got in readiness,
received their freight, and the merry
crowd was soon homeward speeding.
The day was heartily enjoyed, and
will be marked down as a green spot
in our memories as in after years we
unroll the map of life.