a long residence in the islands has taught me that the hospitality shown us by Mr. Merrythought was part of the West Indian character, and I have learnt, by experience, that the planters extend it unreservedly to all strangers who may chance to visit their estates, only in a greater or less degree according to their means. I will take this opportunity of giving the character of a Barbadian, in which hospitality forms no inconsiderable trait. A Barbadian resembles in no point a Creole of the other islands; his manners, his feelings, his ideas, and even the tone of his voice is different. He possesses much good nature, an open heart, strong feelings, and, generally speaking, is greatly attached to his family. He is also somewhat patriotic; and it would require much argument to convince him that any other island in the West Indies can be of consequence equal to the land of his birth, which he proudly remembers is the first and most ancient of all the colonies of the mother country. Barbados was always in the possession of England; was never attacked by the armies of a foreign power; and only once by the forces of the long parliament. There are, therefore, not a few Barbadians who can boast a long pedigree, and trace their line of descent as far back as the times of the first and earliest settlers in the island. They also justly pride themselves on their loyalty to their sovereign; and on having afforded, in ancient times, a refuge to the royalists. A Barbadian has much firmness of character, and what the world would call a nice sense of honour. Indeed, I know no class of people more impatient under an injury, or more quick to avenge an insult. Attachment to the Church of England, and detestation of the Methodists, are marked features in his character, over which prejudice has some influence. I never knew a Barbadian easy out of his own country; in other places trifles annoy him, and his general remark is, "How different from Barbados!" nevertheless, he is industrious, and strangers may live in his island without his troubling himself with their affairs; I wish I could say as much for some others. His countrymen make use of some odd phrases, and have a tone of voice entirely peculiar to themselves; so that after having visited the island you might easily know a Barbadian, if you met one in society, in any other quarter of the world in such a case, address him frankly; tell him where you have been; talk to him of his own dear country,-praise it (for you may do so without flattery), and you will make a friend of him at once. Thus have I briefly given the characters of the men; and now let us turn to the fairer sex-but stay ---what wants Mat? "Massa, dere one buckra sojer "down in de hall, he been tell me he`da wait for "you !" Say I am coming, Mat;" and accordingly I went below, and found Phillipson waiting in the hall. Why, what the devil has been keeping you all "this time?" said he, "a little while ago you were "all anxiety to get away from Merrythought's, and to E hurry me from the sweet smiles and sprightly chit"chat of his fair daughter, under pretence of going to "Mrs. L-'s ball; and now, forsooth, that it is half past nine, which is half an hour after time, I call in, expecting to find you dressed and ready, and your "servant tells me that you are up stairs writing." 66 Well," said I, "do not scold, and I will be with "you in a minute:" then hastening to my room, I was soon dressed, and taking my friend's arm, we proceeded together to the ball. CHAPTER VIII. SOCIETY AND EDUCATION. "Society! in goodly sooth, thou art "A motley word, and much dost thou contain, Author. "All nations have agreed in the necessity of a strict education "which consisted in the observance of moral duties." Swift. In the arrangement of her parties, no lady in Barbados displayed more taste than Mrs. L. Her house was a general rendezvous for the lovers of amusement, but on occasions like the present, when any thing so important as a ball was to be given, expectation was on tiptoe for at least a month previous; and seldom were her guests disappointed in their hopes of a "brilliante assemblé." When we entered the room, therefore, great was the blaze of beauty that burst upon our view. It was long since I had seen any thing like it, for even the well remembered dance before mentioned, which I had the honour to open with my worthy aunt Josephine, was nothing to be compared to this. Oh! woman, woman! thou art, indeed, an enchantress :the most beautiful of our dreams are of thee; the happiest moments of our lives are spent in thy presence! Perhaps there is no island in the tropics that can boast a greater number of ladies, or a fairer display of female grace and loveliness, than the island of Barbados. The heart of an Englishman is scarcely proof against the charms of a young and beautiful creole, when he beholds her, even in private-simple nature, without the aid of art:--judge then of his 'feelings in a ball room, where he sees many assembled; and all with their natural beauty set off and adorned with every ornament that taste or fashion can suggest. When we arrived the dancing was just about to begin, and Phillipson, who seemed to know every body, introduced me to a young lady of great beauty; whose marriage with one of his brother officers was shortly to take place. We danced the first dance together, and I found her a very lively and fascinating partner; she had, like most of the daughters of resident proprietors, been to England for her education, whence she had not long returned. Her years might have numbered about eighteen; and I marvel not that the unaffected simplicity of her manner, and the extreme loveliness of her person, should have won the heart of her brave intended, the young and handsome Captain B. She had ringlets, you will say. Yes, reader, she had dark and glossy ringlets, that reminded me of Laura's. She had fine eyes, you will say-eyes that sparkled with animation, and beamed with all the fire of love; cheeks tinged with the rose blush of modesty, and a brow, polished by the hand of beauty |