Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/162

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A NEWPORT AQUARELLE.

Wait for Mrs. Fallow-Deer? oh, um, yes, yes, of course, of course." And he turned to speak to some later arrivals.

Larkington drove down the picturesque road which hangs over a miniature precipice, with a miniature stream at the bottom, and a large mill and mill-wheel, "as romantic in its appearance as the one used in Sonnambula at Her Majesty's," so Larkington said.

The road leads into a wide, open space, with enough shade trees to insure coolness, but without a trace of dampness. Long tables were spread beneath the tall oaks, and dainties of every kind loaded the boards.

The little brook ran babbling merrily by on one side, but its melody was quickly drowned in the loud strains of an orchestra, hidden by a group of thick palm-trees, brought out from town for the occasion. A dancing pavilion with a smooth floor had been built up during the previous day and night, and was gayly decorated with flags, Japanese lanterns, fans, and umbrellas.