They were well mounted, each priding himself upon the animal he rode, and they wore their best suits, as became city gallants who were bent on cutting out their less fashionable neighbors and breaking the hearts of the admiring country damsels.
When they arrived at the place appointed, they were received with great politeness--their steeds were taken care of, and a dinner was provided them, after which they were ushered into the dancing-hall.
All the beauty of the neighboring precincts was assembled.

The ladies were for the most part white, or what passed for such, with an occasional dash of copper color.

There was no lack of bombazet gowns and large white pocket-handkerchiefs, perfumed with oil of cinnamon; and as they took their places in long rows on the puncheon floor, they were a merry and a happy company.
But the city gentlemen grew more and more gallant--the girls more and more delighted with their attentions--the country swains, alas! more and more scowling and jealous.

In vain they pigeon-winged and double-shuffled--in vain they nearly dislocated hips and shoulders at "hoe corn and dig potatoes"-- they had the mortification to perceive that the smart young sprigs from Chicago had their "pick and choose" among their very sweethearts, and that they themselves were fairly danced off the ground.
The revelry lasted until daylight, and it was now time to think of returning.

There was no one ready with obliging politeness to bring them their horses from the stable.
"Poor fellows!" said one of the party, with a compassionate sort of laugh, "they could not stand it.