Little Bess , who was on a visit , acted the part of maid , and opened the door , saying with a smile , `` Wart in , gemplemun ; it 's all weady . '' In honor of the occasion , the boys wore high paper collars , tall black hats , and gloves of every color and material , for they were an afterthought , and not a boy among them had a perfect pair . `` Good day , mum , '' said Demi , in a deep voice , which was so hard to keep up that his remarks had to be extremely brief . Every one shook hands and then sat down , looking so funny , yet so sober , that the gentlemen forgot their manners , and rolled in their chairs with laughter . `` Oh , do n't ! '' cried Mrs. Smith , much distressed . `` You ca n't ever come again if you act so , '' added Miss Smith , rapping Mr. Bangs with her bottle because he laughed loudest . `` I ca n't help it , you look so like fury , '' gasped Mr. Bangs , with most uncourteous candor . `` So do you , but I should n't be so rude as to say so . He sha n't come to the dinner-ball , shall he , Daisy ? '' cried Nan , indignantly . `` I think we had better dance now . Did you bring your fiddle , sir ? '' asked Mrs. Smith , trying to preserve her polite composure . `` It is outside the door , '' and Nat went to get it . `` Better have tea first , '' proposed the unabashed Tommy , winking openly at Demi to remind him that the sooner the refreshments were secured , the sooner they could escape . `` No , we never have supper first ; and if you do n't dance well you wo n't have any supper at all , not one bit , sir , '' said Mrs. Smith , so sternly that her wild guests saw she was not to be trifled with , and grew overwhelmingly civil all at once . `` I will take Mr. Bangs and teach him the polka , for he does not know it fit to be seen , '' added the hostess , with a reproachful look that sobered Tommy at once . Nat struck up , and the ball opened with two couples , who went conscientiously through a somewhat varied dance . The ladies did well , because they liked it , but the gentlemen exerted themselves from more selfish motives , for each felt that he must earn his supper , and labored manfully toward that end .
When every one was out of breath they were allowed to rest ; and , indeed , poor Mrs. XXXXX needed it , for her long dress had tripped her up many times .
Bess Daisy Demi Nat Smith Tommy dinner-ball escape first gemplemun