The Red Cloud chief., 1911-12-21

Ono may view the scene in Imagination as, the
moment having arrived for an important act Of
ceremony, Washington rises to his feet from his
Mace at the table, holding a glass of Madeira In
his hand. He Is very tall man, two inches
above six feet in height and large Of frame. HIS
nose ia slightly aquiline his mouth broad. his
chin square, his cheek bones high. and his com.
plexion rather forid. He is dressed In SUIT OF
costly black velvet, with knee breeches. oiack
silk stockings and silver buckles on his shoes Az
his wrists are fine lace rufnes, and his hair Is
drawn back and done up behind IN queue
Gentlemen he says. bowling right ana 'etN
II drink to my guests!"
The natural response, at the instance OF .ne
most distinguished guest present Is q . hea'.'
drunk to Lady washington. This Is ioho"eo'
rerhaps. by FIVE or ten minutes Of general conver
sation after which Mrs. Washington gives the
signal by pushing back her chair, and the women
rise 10 take their departure The Generai hi"se!
walks to the door. throwing 1t wide open' ana
oach of the ladies courteses deeply as she goes
out, in response to the bows OF the most ana tue
othor men. ,,
II when the time comes to rejoin the ladies'
two or three of the guests ind themselves haroiy
in a condition to do So they are handed over 10
tho care of the African major domo. who sees
that they are nut to bed. Such things are bound
IN happen occasionally, and 1t is not likely that
any of the women will have the bad tact to ash
what has become OF them.
There .is a good long evening. which, approprt
atelv 10 Christmas is given up to romp. Such
old.fashioned games as blind mans bun and hunt
the slipper furnish incidental opportunities lof
much incidental filtration and lovemaking FER
haps there may even be a kissing game or two;
and spray Of mistletoe fastened over doorway
gives excuse for some oscuation and great deal
Of merriment. 1t is all very delightful. Christ
mas gifts are exhibited. and Nellie Custis. It 10
likely, plays bit on her harpsicnord.
A negro fiddler, one Of the slaves on the estate
in picturesque plantation garb. starts some merry
music, while the young people choose partners
for the dance. But the older ladies' and gentle
men prefer cards, and sit about little tables
shuflng and dealing. The host himself plays
for small stakes only. gambling for money 70
considerable amounts being one OF the vices ne
most abhofs. A. for Mrs. Washington. she talks
to a neighbor and knits When not otherwise
busily occupied she always has knitting In nes
hands, having acquired the habit In camp durina
the Revolution, when she made stockings for des.
titute soldiers.
Fortunately, the frame. or setting as It might
be called, of the Christmas festivities here de-
scribed In such crude outline Is still preserved
intact thanks to the efforts of a few patriotic
women who have made this their loving task.
The United States government has never paid
one cent to keep the home OF Washington from
destruction. Many years ago congress refused to
give the money to buy 1t. But In the hands OF
the Mount Vernon Association the historic man.
sion and its immediate surroundings are kept IN
such excellent repair that Mount Vernon today
is practically as It was more than century ago
when George and his wife, Martha. kept open
house and offered n generous hospitality, not only
at Christmastide but at all other seasons OF the
year.