ed by another song. Then there was a toast to the
American flag, another speech and a song, to which Mr. Haldeman, our
minister, responded in such terms of enthusiasm and complimentary
allusion to the Swedish nation that there was a general outburst of
applause. I had hoped, in view of my rustic garb, to escape notice,
and was snugly barricaded in a corner behind a table, looking on
quietly and enjoying the scene, when, to my great astonishment, a
toast was proposed "to the DISTINGUISHED TRAVELER FROM CALIFORNIA!"
In vain I looked about me to see if any prominent gentleman of my
acquaintance from California would step forward and answer to the
summons, when I was gently but firmly captured by our host, and duly
brought forth to respond to the charge! Never having made a speech in
my life, I could only seize hold of a wine-glass (which I think
belonged to somebody else), and in the confusion of the moment drink
spontaneously to the great traveler from California! Then there was an
inspiring glee from the lively young gentlemen who did the music.

Thus passed the time till dinner was over, when we adjourned to the
garden for coffee and cigars. Seated under the wide-spreading trees,
in the balmy air of this summer evening, we had songs and recitations
of Scandinavian poetry, anecdotes, and humorous dissertations till
nearly midnight. I do not remember that I ever participated in a more
rational or delightful entertainment. After a farewell glee to our
host we marched down to the wharf, where the boat was in waiting, and
embarked for Stockholm. I can only add that I was charmed with the
refinement and intelligence of Swedish society, as far as I could
judge of it by this casual glimpse. From many of the guests I received
cordial invitations to prolong my sojourn, and the next morning found
two or three of the gentlemen in readiness to show me every thing of
interest about the city.

We visited the Museum, where there is an interesting assortment of
Scandinavian antiquities, and the palace, and some half a dozen other
places, all of which came in the regular routine of sight-seeing; but
the fact is, I am getting dreadfully tired of this systematic way of
lionizing the cities of Europe. I turn pale at the sight of a museum,
shudder at a church, feel weak in the knees at the bare thought of a
picture-gallery, and as for antiquities, they make my flesh creep.
Between you and myself, dear reader, I wouldn't give a sou-markee fo