The young man had bad concussion, and was obliged to
remain a week at Rideau Hall, whilst the poor girl was disfigured
for life.
Whilst on the subject of ball-suppers, there was a curious custom
prevailing in Lisbon. Most Portuguese having very limited means,
it was not usual to offer any refreshments whatever to guests at
dances; but when it was done, it took the form of a "tooth-pick-
supper" (souper aux curedents). Small pieces of chicken, tongue,
or beef were piled on plates, each piece skewered with a wooden
toothpick. The guests picked these off the plate by the toothpick,
and nibbled the meat away from it, eating it with slices of bread.
This obviated the use of plates, knives and forks, most Portuguese
families having neither sufficient silver table-plate for an
entertainment nor the means to hire any. There was another reason
for this quaint custom. Some Portuguese are--how shall we put it?--
inveterate souvenir-hunters. The Duke of Palmella, one of the
few rich men in Portugal, gave a ball whilst I was in Lisbon at
which the supper was served in the ordinary fashion, with plates,
spoons, knives and forks.
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