200 PLEASANT PARTY. 



young and old, rivalling each other in 

 their attentions to the fairer sex, of 

 which there was an ample attendance, 

 some of whom could boast of superior 

 attractions, and bewitching smiles seemed 

 joyously to reward them for years of 

 danger and toil. 



Supper was served in the ward-room, 

 to which part of the maindeck was 

 added. Mirth, hilarity, and good humour 

 pervaded the seemingly entranced circle. 

 Dancing recommenced ; and I had the 

 peculiar felicity, I remember, of leading 

 down the belle of the party a most 

 splendid specimen of her sex, and also 

 an excellent votary of Terpsichore, the 

 wife of one of the officers. After 

 keeping it up till morning, I returned 

 on shore, in company with some whose 

 acquaintance I had made, with many 

 grateful thanks to my old friend and 

 shipmate for my pleasurable enjoy- 

 ment, of which I have a perfect recol- 



