The Steam-Packet: A Tale of the River and the Ocean — page 324: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

} : THE STEAM PACKET. 251 revolutionary members, the joviality of the party really appeared to be improved by the loss.’ In the evening Mr. Pifpaf, Captain Pentonville, and the tailor, at- tended by Mr. Thomas Gibbins, strolled out foedtiers it having reached the ears of the worthy chairman that a rural ball was to take place at a restaurant on the outskirts of the town. Not a word, therefore, had been said to the ladies relative to any intention to visit that scene of amusement; but Mr. Pifpaf was very anxious to witness the pro- ceedings, and his two intended ‘sons-in-law were easily persuaded to accompany him, He moreover insisted that Tom should follow at a distance as an additional protection ; and accordingly to the scene of diversion did they all four proceed. The ball was held in a large, airy room adjoining the establishment of the restaurateur ; and the company present appeared principally to consist of young ladies engaged in the millinery line, and young gentlemen who served behind counters from nine till nine. A few officers in plain clothes, and two or three elderly gentlemen who con- stantly frequented those kinds of places of amusement for the mere sake of “‘ gazing upon the pretty girls,”’ were also seen in the crowded room. ‘The female portion of the company were remarkable for the extreme neatness of their dress—a neatness which imparted even an air of elegance in many instances to humble materials, and which sel- dom partook of coquetry. Mr. Pifpaf could not help whispering to Captain Pentonville that the French girls certainly possessed the most symmetrical shapes, and the sweetest feet and ankles he had ever seen ; whereupon the gallant officer thus addressed declared that the vener- able chairman should choose a partner for a quadrille, as the only con- - dition upon which he (the aforesaid captain) would consent to display his Terpsichorean skill upon the occasion. Mr. Pifpaf easily suffered himself to be persuaded; and he was not long in finding a partner. This example was immediately imitated by the tailor and the captain; and Mr. Gibbins, after a few moments’ hesitation, resolved upon following the same course. “Like master, like man,” observed this gentleman to himself; and he forthwith selected a laughing brunette as his companion in the dance,—a favour which seemed to flatter her exceedingly. : : The quadrille commenced, and proceeded in right good earnest—the ladies dancing with. heart and soul, as well as legs, and the Lumina- ries cutting capers in all directions as if they were mad. Mr. Pifpaf seemed particularly delighted with the exercise and the amusement; ‘and he even essayed a few sentences in French, by way of conversa- tional interlude,—an effort, however, which only set his fair partner Gomicbooks (Eo)