“‘Now, then, Dick, bestir yourselves; tell Miss Clare there’s troops of friends come to see her; make supper ready quick as possible; and one of you go down to town and bring up a band to play for us. I know the girls’ll like a dance.’
“While the good old man was thus bustling about, frightening the big cook and the butler with a multitude of orders, pale-faced Clare came forth to welcome her many friends; and from the fondness of caresses bestowed upon her by the females, and the hearty gallant behaviour of the gentlemen, her manner became embarrassed.
“Her hair fell loose from continual hand-shaking, and her face was all radiant with blushes.
“‘I’m really glad to see you all; this is quite a surprise. Come in Mollie. How do, Lizzie? Ah! Josephine, dear. Come in, gentlemen,’ said Clare bustling about. ‘I’m so glad you’ve come.’
“And while she bustled about, giving orders to various servants, Lady Bray helped her to do the honors of the house (for the colonel was a widower), and made every one at home.
“Music was the order of the evening, and ere long, harps, flutes, violins, and voices were good-humoredly engaged in quartettes and chorusses.
“The colonel was in his element.
“He was here, there, and everywhere; ordering this, and arranging that, for the evening dance.
“His anxiety was so great to please the young people, and he seemed so flurried with his preparations, that he was red and perspiring, while two or three ‘merry imps’ of young girls, were following him about, doing their utmost to confuse or amuse him.
“The large and small drawing-rooms were thrown into one; numberless wax tapers were arranged in groups, with vases of newly plucked flowers, and all bade fair for a pleasant party, in which English youth so much delight.