The Dinner.

After several hours spent in social intercourse, in the examination of the relics, heirlooms, pictures, manuscripts, ancient clothing, tankards, and many other memorials handed down in the various lines of the Dudley family; many acquaintances having been made or renewed among the descendants, and many surprises, too, happening where old friends then for the first time learned the pleasing fact that they were of the same distinguished lineage, the throngs in the parlors of the great hotel assembled in the large dining room where tables had been set for them; but the great throng overflowed into the adjoining rooms where tables had also been set for those who might not be able to find places at the principal tables.

As the great assembly stood about the tables the president rapped to order and said: "I will ask the ladies and gentlemen to remain standing a few moments."

"It was ever the custom of our Puritan ancestors never to embark in any important undertaking, whether of a sober or of a festive character, without invoking the assistance of Divine Providence. Following that ancient custom I will ask Rev. Dr. Edward Everett IIale to invoke the Divine Blessing."

After grace was said, all were invited to be seated. Here were gathered people who had never seen each other before, distinguished in every profession and walk in life, representatives of many states and localities, who had come from far and near to celebrate the virtues of their great ancestor. Here for the first time were met around

the family board those who bore or represented a great and honorable name. Two hundred and sixty-two years before, Thomas Dudley and his compeers came to Boston, laid its foundations and gave it a name, and now in happy reunion his descendants gathered in his honor. And as one looked about the assembly it was from something more than a mere fancy that family resemblances were observed, and that the reunion seemed to become more and more a reality.

Thus, for an hour or more, the assembly remained at the tables, comparing notes, tracing near or distant relationships, or discussing the remarkable exhibits they had previously examined in the parlors, or wondering why such a reunion as this had never been held before, meanwhile giving particular attention to the menu set before them. All were pleased, all were glad that now at last they were met together.