Desks and seats were unceremoniously dismissed from Mr.B.'s office, which formed one wing, to afford more space for the dancers.

Not only the front portion of the dwelling, but even the kitchen was made fit for the reception of company, in case any primitive visitor, as was sometimes the case, should prefer sitting down quietly there and smoking his cigar.

This was an emergency that, in those days, had always to be provided for.
Nothing could exceed the mirth and hilarity of the company.

No restraint, but of good manners--no excess of conventionalities--genuine, hearty good-humor and enjoyment, such as pleasant, hospitable people, with just enough of the French element to add zest to anything like amusement, could furnish, to make the entertainment agreeable.

In a country so new, and where, in a social gathering, the number of the company was more important than the quality, the circle was not always, strictly speaking, select.
I was aware of this, and was therefore more amused than surprised when a clumsy little man, with a broad, red, laughing face, waddled across the room to where I had taken my seat after a dance, and thus addressed me: "_Miss_ K----, nobody hain't never introduced you to me, but I've seen you a good many times, and I know your husband very well, so I thought I might just as well come and speak to you--my name is A----." "Ah! Mr.A----, good-evening.