Half a dozen consecutively

A song now and then is very desirable, as it is a relief to conversation, but half a dozen consecutively, even from St. Cecilia in person, would become a bore; besides which, people are now accustomed to hear popular songs executed by those whose profession it is, with a superiority rarely attainable in private life, so that amateurs seldom do more than provoke unfortunate comparisons. However, when highly-gifted musicians are found in private society, we have generally observed their delicacy to be in proportion to their excellence.

But the case is much worse when a professional “violinist” is admitted into a private party: he either flourishes away, unconscious that he is not in an orchestra, or else, desirous to prove his superiority over the “dilettanti” he overpowers them with a tone which might fill a cathedral. The best fiddles scream too much in (comparatively) small rooms, however delicately they may be played; besides that few even of the first English musicians seem to understand what an “accompaniment” really means, each performer being too intent on making his particular instrument heard above the rest, to care about the subject, or to feel that an “accompaniment” should be subdued, and subservient to the voice.

We once heard the silver tones of an exquisite singer completely overpowered, between the shrieking’s of a fiddle, the vain-glorious grumblings of a violoncello, and the wheezing of a- dyspeptic flute.

Dancing

WITH the etiquette of a ball-room, so far as it goes, there are but few people unacquainted. Certain persons are appointed to act as stewards, or there will be a “master of the ceremonies whose office it is to see that everything be con-ducted in a proper manner; if you are entirely a stranger, it is to them you must apply for a partner, and point out (quietly) any young lady with whom you should like to dance, when, if there be no obvious inequality of rank, they will present you for that purpose; should there be an objection, they will probably select someone they consider more suitable ; but do not, on any account, go to a strange lady by yourself, and request her to dance, as she will unhesitatingly “ decline the honor,” and think you an impertinent fellow for your presumption.

Any presentation to a lady in a public ballroom, for the mere purpose of dancing, does not entitle you to claim her acquaintance afterwards; therefore, should you meet her the next day, do not attempt to address her. At most, you may lift your hat; but even that is better avoided,—unless, indeed, she first bow, — as neither she nor her friends can know who or what you are.

Many are the things to do in Bulgaria. My country is not yet very well discovered and I am sure you would love it. It’s nature, history and great emotions.