when the doors opened and shut and the sound of many voices in
conversation and happy laughter burst upon the ear of the passer-by.
Inside, all was gaiety and animation. Festoons of greens hung from the
chandelier of kerosene lights and garlands and wreaths decorated the
walls of the wide hall and rooms where there was dancing. In the
ballroom five colored musicians were the orchestra and the leader
"called out" the figures of the lancers and quadrilles. "Face your
pardners," he called out as the square dance was begun. Several sets
of four couples were formed ready for the first strains of the lancers
music and the prompter. "Forward all," and all the couples advanced
to the center. "Swing your pardners," "balance corners," the lady and
gentleman faced to the right and took steps to the music. "Swing," and
they swung around.

The next figure was the "Grand right and left," called out by
the prompter and the couples circled around and after a large ring was
formed by taking hands and going first to the right and then to the
left, amid laughter the dance broke up.

Standing near the window on the porch were two young men. They
were smoking cigars and commenting on the guests and the surroundings
generally.

"There's a little Queen Esther with her black hair braided and
folded over her shell pink ears. Look at her graceful walk. Do you
see the one I mean?".asked the taller of the two men.

"Do you mean the one with the rosebuds on her gown?"

"Yes, the very one. She has the most beautiful black eyes I