t on the cheeks, the beads, tin ornaments
of the Indians, and the sparkling diamonds of our own people. The
wonder, remarks, and laughter of each party, as something struck them
as singular or ludicrous, were going on all over the room; for the
order was soon broken up, and all mixed in, pale-faces and Indian
alike, quite indiscriminately.

The scene was novel indeed. Here might be seen the chief of our nation,
leaning on his arm one of the ladies from a foreign court, or a belle
of America mingling in with a group of red-skins, and trying through an
interpreter to converse with them; the ladies anxious to know the
history of Zin-ta-ga-let-skah, or Stinking-saddlecloth, or the
Elk-that-bellows-walking, or Man-afraid-of-his-Horses, etc. Here the
bachelor of the navy was trying to pump an Indian about his canoes, to
please half a dozen pretty girls he had in tow; but the interpreters
being busy, the Indian could only make signs, give a grunt, a stare, or
grin in reply. Mrs. Grant, with some ladies, also tried to have a "say"
with them on her own hook, but gave up soon in despair.

Another signal of General Parker, and the Indians were in their places;
next the whites stood in order, and then the red brethren walked into
the Green, Blue and Red Rooms, and into the presidential state
dining-room.

Here came a new surprise, and a refreshing sight. The state
dining-table was beautifully decorated with ornaments of gold and
silver, dishes, glasses, flowers, bouquets, etc., and was fairly loaded
down with fruits, berries, ice-cream, confections, and wines.
Side-tables were set out with delicacies of the season, and it was seen
that the President, with his amiable wife, had gotten up a strawberry
and fruit festival for the wild men and civilized big bugs of the
nations.

In the mean while, the Indians were ranged round the main table, while
the President and Mrs. Grant and friends proceeded to help the Indians
to all the delicacies they never saw before, and which they must have
regarded as far ahead of a dog-feast, or the simple wild currants and
plums they pick in the Rocky Mountains.

The ladies of the foreign ministers were not backward in their
assistance. Secretary Boutwell helped Red Dog to strawberries and cake,
Judge Hoar and Secretary Robeson paid much attention to the four
squaws, cutting cake, and giving them knick-knacks.

One of the squaws took from the President a French kiss and a bonbon,
and taking her p