Nelly made a terrible grimace of disgust and was silent for a moment, her mind still dwelling on the bridal tour. “Captain, you know we must have money for traveling expenses,” said she.
“Yes, darling, it takes that very thing, so I will spout your fine watch and chain, and then we can find ourselves on wheels.”
Nelly drew down the corners of her pretty mouth, pouted her lips and looked more disgusted than ever. To them it was all very funny.
“My dearest, I fear when your mother hears the news she will say ‘Poor Nelly, she has thrown herself away!’” and the captain actually blushed at this vision of Mrs. Jones’s disapprobation.
“Keep the ball rolling, Captain,” said Billy Morris, “this sport is splendid.”
The captain fixed his keen eye on Billy’s large, standing collar and asked, “Did you ever see a small dog trotting along in high oats? Well,”—surveying his person—“I have.”
“Come now, Captain,” replied Billy, “I’ll allow you some privileges, being just married, but you must pass your wit around. I’ve had enough. Don’t compare your single unmarried friend to a dog.”
Dinner was then announced and the party were soon seated at table. That king of edible birds, the turkey savory and brown, was placed at one end, and a fresh stuffed ham stood at the other, while the vegetables filled up the intervening space. A large bunch of zinnias and amaranthus set in a broken pitcher formed a gay center-piece. The dessert was egg-nogg, and Confederate pound-cake made from bolted cornmeal. The dinner was concluded with a cup of genuine coffee. Notwithstanding the late meal, never had there been a merrier day at old Beechwood. Healths to the absent ones were drunk from the single silver goblet of egg-nogg allowed for each guest. The girls did not relish this mixture made of crude and fiery Louisiana rum, but the soldiers were not so fastidious; they said they often had occasion to repeat the remark of the Governor of North Carolina to the Governor of South Carolina that “it was a long time between drinks.”
Monroe removed the dishes and retired to the kitchen while the guests lingered over the dessert. The cook sat and looked down the river. The window commanded a view for two miles. Her work was done and she manifested her relief by breaking into singing these words:
“John saw, J-o-h-n saw,
John saw de holy number
Settin’ roun de golden altar.
Golden chariot come fer me, come fer me,
Golden chariot come fer me,
Childun didn’t he rise?”