saloon and a suite of rooms; and these, notwithstanding their low ceilings, unlevel floors, and bare walls, presented an appearance quite elegant and imposing. The planks had either been diligently rubbed smooth for the purpose, or worn so by the friction of many feet. Garlands of evergreens, and wreaths of flowers, and quaint devices made of various leaves, adorned the window-frames, or drooped gracefully between; while bouquets and choice single flowers were scattered on the unobtrusive little tables, or strewed along the divans. Green branches of the delicate pine were fixed against the wall, as brackets to support the numerous lights; and the radiance of these was a-tempered, not diminished, by the veil through which it was filtered.
As the company entered, little negro girls, with their wide mouths full of ivory and fun, attended to receive the hoods and mantles, while two boys of the same shining sable were already "tuning up" their fiddles. These were the Monsieur's musicians; pupils of his own, whose proficiency reflected as much honor on his musical ability as the graceful dancing of the active 'demoiselles, upon his standing as a master of the "art of motion."
One long, complaining cry from both instruments, to try their tone, and then a sudden shifting to the rapid notes of a dancing tune, "put life and mettle" in the expectant company. The little Monsieur led his partner, Marie, to the head of the saloon, and at his signal the figures were speedily filled up. His shrill voice was now heard from end to end, and, as if instantly affected by some volatile gas, the whole array began to move with as much agility as art, and more grace than either. Round and round, to and fro, up and down, the dancers went; the flashing of light drapery, the wreathed smiles of pleasure, the flitting of fair forms through mazy order, and the changing lights and shadows, furnished forth a scene of animation far more common then than now. The tripping of light feet, the exhilarating music, the hurried chat and merry laughter, pervaded with a careless gayety the perfumed air; while the hurried alto of the maître shot, like a sunbeam, through the mazes of the figure, and illumined all with the light of discipline and order.
The rooms gradually filled up with old and young; and many a
