FESTIVITIES CONTINUED. 159 



complacency as others stepped forward. On went the 

 dance, sometimes four, sometimes six, or even eight 

 huddled together, where there was scarce space for 

 them to turn round; and the company instead of 

 flagging as the hours passed by, only waxed the more 

 eager and impetuous, until the contagion fairly spread 

 to myself, and roused into emulation by the universal 

 example before me, I ventured to exhibit my powers in 

 a " Eeel o' Tulloch." Finding myself however fairly 

 eclipsed, for an English ballroom is no place to 

 acquire Scotch dances, I was not sorry to lead my 

 partner back to the bevy in the corner, and did not 

 repeat the experiment, though Walter danced in a 

 most meritorious fashion whenever time or space could 

 be found. 



About midnight the select few were requested to 

 partake of a supper in the adjoining apartment. We 

 from the Laird's, as the most distinguished, sat at the 

 head of the board ; I, as a stranger taking the post of 

 honour. We were shortly joined by the bride on one 

 side of the table, and the bridegroom on the other, and 

 then followed as many of the "profanum vulgus" as 

 could be accommodated with seats. Occupying the 

 position I did, I was informed that it was expected I 

 should toast the bridal pair, a duty which, not being 

 able to express myself in appropriate Gaelic, I per- 

 formed briefly in English, wishing them " a long life 

 and happiness, plenty of chicks, and a warm roost." 

 We then partook of bridecake, which, with the usual 

 ring and sixpence, afforded abundance of merriment. 

 Other toasts followed, interspersed by songs in Gaelic 

 or English, everything being conducted with a pro- 

 priety which would throw into the shade many a similar 

 festivity in polite society. Indeed, save perhaps one 



