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. Smith needed it , for her long dress had tripped her up many times . The little maid passed round molasses and water in such small cups that one guest actually emptied nine . I refrain from mentioning his name , because this mild beverage affected him so much that he put cup and all into his mouth at the ninth round , and choked himself publicly .
`` You must ask Nan to play and sing now , '' said XXXXX to her brother , who sat looking very much like an owl , as he gravely regarded the festive scene between his high collars .
Daisy Demi Nan Nat Smith Tommy choked escape first ninth