Presently it began to be whispered about that they were going to have supper.

Many, who had never been to any large party before, held their breath for a moment at this announcement.

It was rather with a tremulous interest than with open hilarity that the rumor was generally received.
One point the Colonel had entirely forgotten to settle.

It was a point involving not merely propriety, but perhaps principle also, or at least the good report of the house,--and he had never thought to arrange it.
He took Judge Thornton aside and whispered the important question to him,--in his distress of mind, mistaking pockets and taking out his bandanna instead of his white handkerchief to wipe his forehead.
"Judge," he said, "do you think, that, before we commence refreshing ourselves at the tables, it would be the proper thing to--crave a--to request Deacon Soper or some other elderly person--to ask a blessing ?" The Judge looked as grave as if he were about giving the opinion of the Court in the great India-rubber case.
"On the whole," he answered, after a pause, "I should think it might, perhaps, be dispensed with on this occasion.

Young folks are noisy, and it is awkward to have talking and laughing going on while blessing is being asked.