It is well known that during the war of 1812, commissions were sometimes bestowed upon citizens who proved excellent soldiers, but whose opportunities of acquiring the polish of gentlemen had been rather circumscribed. There were really a few such officers as Major Steifenbiegen and Lieutenant Tinsley. The Miss Darnels and their partners took their places near the top of the country-dance. While it was forming, each of the gentlemen endeavoured to entertain his lady according to his own way--the major by slowly hammering out a series of dull and awkward compliments, and the lieutenant by a profusion of idle talk that Caroline laughed at without knowing why; seasoned as it was with local words and phrases, and with boastings about that section of the Union which had the honour of being his birth-place. "Madam," said the major, "I think it is the duty of an officer--the bounden duty--to make himself agreeable, that is, to be perpetually polite, and so forth. I mean we are to be always agreeable to the ladies, because the ladies are always agreeable to us. Perhaps, madam, I don't speak loud enough. Madam, don't you think it is the duty of an officer to be polite and agreeable to the ladies?" "Certainly," answered Harriet, "of an officer and of all gentlemen." "Very true, madam," persisted the major, "your sentiments are quite correct. All gentlemen should be polite to the fair sex, but officers particularly. Not that I would presume to hint that they ought to be so out of gratitude, or that ladies are apt to like officers--I have not that vanity, madam--we are not a vain people--that is, we officers. But perhaps, madam, my conversation does not amuse you." "Oh! yes it does," replied Harriet, archly. "Well, madam, if it doesn't, just mention it to me, and I'll willingly stop,--the honour of dancing with so fine a young lady is sufficient happiness." "Well, Miss," said young Tinsley to Caroline, "you have but a stran_n_ge sort of dancing here to the north. I can't make out much with your cotillions. Before one has time to learn the figure by heart they're over; and as to your sash_a_y and balanj_a_y, I don't know which is which: I'm not good at any of your French capers--I'm old Virginia. Give me one of our own up-country reels--'Fire in the mountains,' or 'Possum up the gum tree,'--I could show you the figure in a minute, with ourselves and two chears." The dance had now commenced; and Major Steifenbiegen showed some signs of trepidation, saying to Miss Darnel, "Madam, will you allow me, if I may be so bold, to tax your goodness farther by depending entirely on your kind instructions as to the manoeuvres of the dance. I cannot say, madam, that I ever was a dancing character--some people are not. It's a study that I have but lately taken up. But with so fine a young lady for a teacher, I hope to acquit myself properly. I have been informed that Rome was not built in a day. Please, madam, to tell me what I am to do first."