and, making
splendid the scene. The dashing New Yorker, her smiles, unerring
arrows, piercing whither she shot them; the vivacious and intelligent
daughter of Massachusetts, all sensitive, modest, and graceful; the
placid _belle_ of Pennsylvania, whose fair complexion drew upon her
all admiration; the bright-eyed Buckeye, with face so oval, than whom
none was more coy, nor ever shot a glance or stole a heart so well;
the rustic daughter of Down East, who affected great contempt for all
superior people, and declared the queen not a whit better than anybody
else; the buxom Green-mountain girl, whose motion was as crude as her
cheeks were rosy; the New Hampshire prude, lisping, regardless of
Murray; the statue-like Baltimorean, with queenly figure and all
lovely face, dazzling in her beauty, like a diamond among stones less
brilliant; the flirting blonde of Washington; the gracious Virginian,
with features so classic and serene; the daisy-like daughter of
Connecticut, ever ready to give out her wild unmeasured laugh--all
were there. And then there came the imperious Carolinian, whose
stately step, Grecian face, dark, languishing eyes, and thoughtful
countenance, drew upon her the admiration of many an envious eye. And,
to make complete the group, there moved haughtily along the proud
Madame of Alabama, affecting the possession of each good and gentle
attribute of womankind. She would have us know how much attention she
drew upon her while being presented to 'England's queen,' forgetting
that it was merely the effect of her badly arranged lace. Indeed, the
conclave mingled most socially. My Lady Flippington seemed not above a
modest and very sensible condescension to the very level of the vulgar
who surrounded her, and whose friendship she seemed to court.

"Citizen Peabody, as much good nature in his broad face as benevolence
in his great heart, moved king among his guests, bestowing a smile
here, and a cheering word there; but more particularly consoling the
old maids, with whom he is a great favorite. No sooner had the genteel
waiter announced the readiness of the festive board, than each gallant
sought him a fair partner, and filed off in procession, those not
fortunate enough to possess such an accompaniment being compelled to
bear up with one of their own harder sex. Smooth was among the most
fortunate, having succeeded in fettering himself to a Kentucky
_belle_. Down a long, circular stairway, the procession proceede