admit
that the effect upon my spirits was not cheering. Now and then the
apparition of some cadaverous old woman, wrinkled with age--a greenish
hue upon her features--would appear unexpectedly at some unexpected
opening in one of the ruinous old houses, and startle me by a gaze of
wonder or some unintelligible speech addressed to herself. Probably a
human being had not been seen in that vicinity for the last month.
Sometimes a slatternly servant-girl would appear in the distance, her
dress bedraggled with slops, a tub of water on the pavement close by,
and a long-handled mop in her hand, with which she seemed to be
vigorously engaged in scrubbing the green slime and tufts of moss off
the window-sills; but catching a sight of the strangers, down would
go the mop, and then the usual hasty attempt would be made at fixing
her hair and otherwise increasing her personal charms. As I drew near,
this useful member of society would naturally take a sidelong glance
at the strange gentleman, and perceiving that he was uncommonly
attractive in personal appearance, it was quite natural she should
make a neat little courtesy and say "_Got Aften!_" to which, of
course, I always responded in the most affable manner, not forgetting
to say to myself, in an audible tone, "Sken Jumfru!"--a pretty girl.
No harm in that, is there?

In the afternoon I walked out to a public garden about two miles from
town, where there are some very pleasant promenades, a large building
containing a ballroom, and numerous pavilions for refreshments. It was
a festive occasion, and the elite and fashion of Abo were assembled
there in their best attire. The music was inspiring. Dancing seemed
contagious. The ballroom was crowded, and old and young were whirling
about on the light fantastic toe with a zest and spirit truly
inspiring. Old gentlemen with bald heads seemed to have forgotten
their age and infirmities, and whirled the blooming damsels around in
the dizzy mazes of the waltz as dexterously as the youngest; and young
gentlemen hopped about quite frantic with joy, and altogether
bewildered with the beauty of their partners. It was really a pretty
sight. Rarely had I seen so many pleasant faces of both sexes,
especially those of the ladies. Good-humor, simplicity, and frankness
were their predominant traits. All ceremony seemed to be cast aside,
and every body participated in the dance as if it were one great
family frolic. The formality of introduction w