"  How  very  slow  Robert  is  to-day,  mamma  !  we  shall  never
get  to  the  house."

"  He  cannot  get  on  faster,  my  dear.  The  carriages  in  front
of  us  must  set  down,  you  know."

"  But  I  wish  they  would  be  quicker.  I  wonder  whether
we  shall  know  many  people  ?  Do  you  think  I  shall  get
partners  ?  "

Not  waiting  for  her  mother's  reply,  she  went  on  to  name
some  of  her  acquaintance,  whom  she  Isnew  would  be  there,  and
bewailing  the  hard  fate  which  was  keeping  her  out  of  the  first
dances.     Mary's  excitement    and    impatience    were   natural


MARY    IN   MAYFAIE.  423

enough.  The  ball  was  not  like  most  balls.  It  was  a  great
battle  in  the  midst  of  the  skirmishes  of  the  season,  and  she
felt  the  greatness  of  the  occasion.
