escaped from the sides of the silver-covered
tureen. He perceived that one of the salt-cellars was rather near the
corner of the table, and had only time to rearrange it, when William threw
open the doors. The company entered, and with some delay and formality took
their places. We need not wait until the Rev. Mr. Aldie says grace, though
that would not detain us long; for the Rev. Mr. Aldie, besides being very
hungry, has a great deal of tact, and believes in short prayers; nor will
we delay to witness the breaking down of the strongholds of precision and
ultra propriety, that almost always solemnizes the commencement of an
entertainment; but the old Madeira having been passed around, we will
listen to the conversation that is going on from different parts of the
table.

"We have outlived, sir," said Mr. Chapman, addressing a northern gentleman
present, "we have outlived the first and greatest era of our country. Its
infancy was its greatest era. The spirit of Washington still breathes among
us. One or two of us here have conversed with him, sat at his table, taken
him by the hand. It is too soon for the great principles that animated his
whole career to have passed from our memory. I am not a very old man,
gentlemen and ladies, yet it seems to me a great while since the day of
Washington's funeral. My father called me and my brothers to him, and while
our mother was fastening a band of black crape around our hats, 'My boys,'
said he, 'you have seen the best days of this republic.' It is so, for as
much as the United States has increased in size, and power, and wealth,
since then, different interests are dividing her."

"Was Washington a cheerful man?" asked an English gentleman who was
present, "I have heard that he never laughed. Is it so?"

Miss Janet, who was considered a kind of oracle when personal memories of
Washington were concerned, answered after a moment's pause, "I have seen
him smile often, I never saw him laugh but once. He rode over, one
afternoon, to see a relative with whom I was staying; it was a dark, cloudy
day, in November; a brisk wood fire was very agreeable. After some little
conversation on ordinary topics, the gentlemen discussed the politics of
the times, Washington saying little, but listening attentively to others.

"The door opened suddenly, and a son of my relative entered, in a noisy
bustling manner. Passing the gentlemen with a nod, he turned his back to
the fire, putting his hands b