This was evidently a superior kind of ball, for the men kept on their
coats, and went through the various figures with faces of unnatural
solemnity. But the strain upon their feelings was quite apparent, and it
became a question how long it could be maintained. As the trips through
the passage-way became more frequent the dancing grew in vigour and
hilarity, until by the time supper was announced the stiffness had
sufficiently vanished to give no further anxiety to the committee.
But the committee had other cause for concern, inasmuch as after supper
certain of the miners appeared with their coats off, and proceeded to
'knock the knots out of the floor' in break-down dances of extraordinary
energy. These, however, were beguiled into the bar-room and 'filled up'
for safety, for the committee were determined that the respectability of
the ball should be preserved to the end. Their reputation was at stake,
not in Black Rock only, but at the Landing as well, from which most of
the ladies had come; and to be shamed in the presence of the Landing
people could not be borne.
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