" Oh, you need not be frightened 1" said Mr. Flitter. " We
have been talking about everything and everybody. "What
funny people there are here!"

Miss Martha's purpose was diverted in an instant, as Mr.
Flitter said this to her with a tone of the greatest leliance on
her perception.
" Oh, yes," she said; "so very odd, to be sure!"

" I wish you had been with us," Mx. Flitter went on, with
the most delightful frankness — "you would have joined so
capitally in our fun. Those Bulliamsl — oh, haven't we
laughed at them. Miss Maitland?"

Poor Annie said she had: or rather she scarcely knew
what she said, so much had Mr. Flitter's conversation upset
her.
"I think we will return, if you like," said Miss Marthi;

M



2S6 THE POtTLETON LEGACt.
" There is going to be a country dance." And she looked
Tery meaningly at the gentleman, and spoke of it as though
it were a great thing.
"Oh!" he observed; "a country dance. Ah! yes; what
is that? I think I have seen them mentioned in old maga-
zines, with curious names. ' Lady Bab's Folly' I remember
was one — danced at Ranelagh. I should like to see it."

Miss Martha at once perceived that everybody did not
think a country dance such an occasion for rejoicing. So
she said something pleasantly about reviving old country
fashions: for which piece of tact she was rewarded by Mr.
Flitter again requesting the pleasure of dancing with her.
