Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 February 1899 — Ladies Entertain. [ARTICLE]

Ladies Entertain.

Thursday evening, in return of the entertainment and surprise given them, two weeks proceeding at Geo. K. Hollingsworth’s, by the lordly members* of the Married Folk’s euchre club, the ladies entertained their gentleman friends, not at one home, but, at several, taking in nearly every house in two blocks, in an endeavor to “please the men.” Invitations were issued to the men requesting their presence at the home of Mrs. Mary E. Thompson at 8 sharp. Meeting there, they went to the handsome residence of George E. Murray, to await his coming and surprise him, with a royal welcome. In some unaccountable way, shortly after arrival at the Murray home, the ladies became lost from their escorts, the lights went out and the men were left, friendless and alone in the cold and dark of George’s parlor. Schrcely had they become seated when in walked Murray. The lights went on, ~and as quickly out again, the big double doors flew open, and lo and behold: Surprise No. I. A scene from Macbeth: “The Witches’ Cavern” —filled with black and shadowy forms of witches, seemingly trying to rival the tabled one of Mother Goose, and sweeping cobwebs and mists from the eyes of the surprised spectators, while in one corner was suspended a cauldron over a fierce fire, in which the witches were preparing (a la Act IV Macbeth) the supper for their liege lords, all the while keeping time to weird music. During this interesting ceremony, partners for euchre were selected and the witches returned to life. Lights were turned on and cards were employed to pass the time till luncheon. Mr. Joseph Hardman receiving the prize and D. G. Warner the booby. At ten a superb repast, of chicken from the Witches’ Cauldron, bread, butter, coffee, cakes and ices were served. After lunch the male contingent were ordered up stairs where they were regaled with- stories from the lips of Phillips, Austin and Delos Thompson for some time. When they returned to the lower floor, (Surprise No. 2) not a body was in sight, but as the lights were burning brightly in W. B. Austin’s residence, a break was made for that place. Here instead of married people, were found a covey of young men and women. “Another mysterious disappearance and lightning change act.” From the regions above, came a regiment of amazons, with hair flying loose and wearing masks on the back of the head, which speedily took possession of the floor, and began a dance, soon to be recognized as the familiar ‘'Lancers.” Again did the true character of the hostesses reveal itself, and to the accompaniment of delightful music did the merry “wives and husbands” and “would-be and would-not-be” trip the light fantastic until the wee small hours of morning. All voted it the most enjoyable affair ever gotten up in our city and its now one on the men. Can they equal it? We think not. When shall we all meet again, In laughter, dancing or in pain. When the hnrly burly’s done. When the dance is oe’r and gone. That will be ere the set of sun.