The Forrest City times., 1911-12-22

One may view the scene in imagination, as, the moment having arrived for important act of ceremony Washington rises to his feet from his place at the table holding glass of Madeira in his hand. He is very tall man. two inches above six feet in height and large of frame. His nose is slightly aquiline his mouth broad his chin square his cheek bones high. and his com plexion rather forid. He Is dressed in a suit or costly black velvet, with knee brooches, black silk stockings and silver buckles OF his shoes At his wrists are fine lace rafies and his hair IS drawn back and done up behind in queue
 "Gentlemen" he says, lowing right and left, II drink to my guests.
 The natural response at the instance of the most distinguished guest present, is a health drunk to Lady Washington. This is followed nerhaps by five or ten minutes of general conVer- saton. after which Mrs. Washington gives the signal by pushing back her chair and the women rise to take their departure The General himself walks to the door, throwing it wide open, ana each of the ladies courteses deeply as she goes out in response to the bows of the host and the other men.
 If when the time comes to rejoin the ladies two ar three of the guests find themselves hardly in a condition to do so, they are handed over to the care of the African major domo, who sees that they are put to bed. Such things are bound to happen occasionally. and 1t is not likely that any of the women will have the bad tact to ask what has become of them.
 There is good long evening which. appropri atey to Christmas is given up to a romp. Such oldfashioned games blind mans buff and hunt the slipper furnish incidental opportunities for much incidental filtration and love-makng Per haps there may even be a kissing game two; and spray of mistetoe fastened a doorway gives excuse for some osculation and a great deal of merriment It is all very delightful Christ mas gifts are exhibited and Nellie Custis, 1t Is likely plays bit on her harpsicaord
 negro fiddler. of the slaves 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. shufling and dealing The host himself plays. for small stakes only gambling for money to considerable amounts being one of the vices he most abhors. AS for Mrs. Washington, she talks to a neghbor and knits When not otherwise busily occupied she always has knitting in her hands having acquired the habit in camp during the Revolution, when she made stockings for des- titute soldiers.
 Fortunately, the frame. setting. as 1t 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 cent to keep the home of Washington from destruction Many years ago congress refused to give the money to buy It. But in the hands of the Mount Vernon Association the historic man sion and i's immediate surroundings are kept in such excellent repair that Mount Vernon today Is practically it more than a century ago when George and his wife, Martha kept open house and offered a generous hospitality not only at Christmastide but at all other seasons of the year.