He looks down at the guests that are in attendance. This is a very formal party, the men are in black and white suits and the women are in elegant dresses. Thin slices of tomatoes and cucumbers on slices of bread are served on silver trays. The crowd mingles and part take in small task as Shaw walks through the crowd. Two young woman whisper to one another as they see him. There is a surreal quality to the scene, everyone stops to either look at him or talk with one another about him as he passes by. He scans the crowd as angelic voices are heard in the background. Shaw looks to his right as an older man is wheeled into the room. Shaw is ripped from his thoughts as he hears his name spoken. He turns to see Thomas, a well-dressed Negro. Thomas is wearing a suit much like the other men at the party, is clean-shaven, and has glasses. As they greet each other and shake hands, there is a silver punch bowl in front of them, further signifying that the occasion is special. Behind them there is a lace covered window. Thomas congratulates Shaw on becoming an officer. Thomas updates Shaw on his business that he does for his father. As Shaw is pouring them a cup of punch a man shuts the window behind them, making a loud banging noise. Shaw is startled by this sound that sounds like the gunshots he heard in battle. Thomas asks if he is ok, looking quickly down in shame, Shaw quickly replies that he is okay. Shaw's mother then calls out to him telling him that there is someone she would like for him to meet. They enter a room where a man is talking to a small crowd of people. He is Shaw's father and introduces him to the governor. Their discussion is about the Emancipation Proclamation and the Negroes involvement with the war. He comments that many deserted because they were given pipes instead of guns to fight with. Shaw shakes Governor Andrews hand and then is introduced to Fredrick Douglas. Shaw greets Mr.
