Page 7 (1/1)

Allen; and after looking about theed to sit down at the end of a table, at which a large party were already placed, without having anything to do there, or anybody to speak to, except each other

Mrs Allen congratulated herself, as soon as they were seated, on having preserved her gown fro to have it torn," said she, "would not it? It is such a delicateI like so well in the whole room, I assure you"

"How uncole acquaintance here!"

"Yes, my dear," replied Mrs Allen, with perfect serenity, "it is very uncoentlemen and ladies at this table look as if they wondered e ca ourselves into their party"

"Aye, so we do That is very disagreeable I e had a large acquaintance here"

"I e had any--it would be soo to"

"Very true, my dear; and if we knew anybody ould join them directly The Skinners were here last year--I wish they were here now"

"Had not we better go away as it is? Here are no tea-things for us, you see"

"No ! But I think we had better sit still, for one gets so tuave me a push that has hurt it, I am afraid"

"No, indeed, it looks very nice But, dear Mrs Allen, are you sure there is nobody you know in all this multitude of people? I think you must know somebody"

"I don't, upon e acquaintance here with all et you a partner I should be so glad to have you dance There goes a strange-looking woot on! How old-fashioned it is! Look at the back"

After sohbours; it was thankfully accepted, and this introduced a light conversation with the gentleman who offered it, which was the only ti, till they were discovered and joined by Mr Allen when the dance was over