After this Mount Pleasant, which had always been considered as the
most hospitable and pleasant estancia in the district, became more
than ever popular, and many were the impromptu dances got up.
Sometimes there were more formal affairs, and all the ladies within
twenty miles would come in. These were more numerous than would
have been expected. The Jamiesons were doing well, and in turn
going for a visit to their native country, had brought out two
bright young Scotchwomen as their wives.
Mrs. Mercer was sure to be there, and four or five other English
ladies from nearer or more distant estancias. Some ten or twelve
native ladies, wives or daughters of native proprietors, would also
come in, and the dancing would be kept up until a very late hour.
Then the ladies would lie down for a short time, all the beds being
given up to them, and a number of shake-downs improvised; while the
gentlemen would sit and smoke for an hour or two, and then, as day
broke, go down for a bathe in the river. These parties were looked
upon by all as most enjoyable affairs; and as eatables of all sorts
were provided by the estate itself, they were a very slight
expense, and were of frequent occurrence. Only one thing Mr. Hardy
bargained for--no wines or other expensive liquors were to be
drunk.
Pages:
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269