t, proposed to give to the good citizens of this goodly city of ten
thousand inhabitants a select pleasure-party on board of her, that,
with music, dancing and feasting, they might, to the best advantage,
appreciate its dimensions, its comforts and elegancies. My sisters and
self having accepted the cordial invitation of the Captain, who had
treated us with great kindness and consideration while passengers on
his boat, and, attended by our father and a gentleman whom we had
formerly known, and who had been residing in the city for a few months,
made our appearance for the first time in St. Louis society. Our
mother, who was a perfect pattern of propriety, advised us to equip
ourselves in our nicest street dresses, and, being strangers, not to
participate at all in the dance. Consequently, we were there in the
position of "lookers-on in Vienna." We made good use of our eyes, and
kept time to the music in our hearts, but used our feet only in
promenading. During the evening I observed several ladies with much
interest, but was greatly attracted with but one gentleman, whom I
first noticed sitting opposite to us, leaning back in his chair. There
was a calm serenity overspreading his handsome features, which wore a
joyousness of expression that was irresistible. I pointed him out to
our escort, and inquired who he was. He could not tell me; still I
could not but observe him. He waltzed once with the belle of the
evening (a Miss Selby). My eyes followed them; and I see your dear
grandfather now, just as he looked then. He was about the medium size
--five feet nine inches high, and well proportioned; his complexion
rather fair, hair dark. His beard was closely shaved, but showed, from
the soft, penciled tints about his mouth and chin, that it was likewise
black. His eyes were grey. With considerable gaiety of disposition,
he evinced a gentleness, a suavity, and a modest grace of deportment,
which I have never seen surpassed, if equaled.

In a few weeks Mr. Charless sought an introduction to us, and
from that time he became a constant visitor at our house, and in
fifteen months from our first acquaintance, he declared himself a
suitor for my hand and heart, promising to use the best efforts of his
life to make me happy.

I could tell you a good many incidents of our early acquaintance
--of our pleasure-rides in pleasant weather, in gig or on horseback,
and of our merry sleigh-rides in winter. Delightful recollec