And at that moment the first bevy of visitors arrived, and little Mim and his four little maiden aunts were shown into the drawing-room.
Erminie received her visitors with courtesy, but Elfie welcomed them with effusion.
Erminie entertained Mr. Mim in the drawing-room, while Elfie took the four Misses Mim up stairs to lay off their bonnets and put on their head dresses.
The next party that arrived consisted of Mr. Billingcoo, his grandmother, and his guitar.
And the old lady was shown up stairs to the dressing-room where she found the Misses Mim with Elfie.
After them came other friends of the family; and by seven o’clock the whole company was assembled, and enjoying themselves by sauntering through the moonlit walks of the beautiful grounds in the rear of the house.
“I am expecting Major Fielding this evening,” said Erminie to little Mim, who was walking by her side.
“I am so glad to hear that. I always had the greatest respect for Major Fielding, as well as for—for his daughter—and for all the ladies!”
Little Mim, whenever he was betrayed into any expression of admiration or regard for Elfie, invariably added “all the ladies” as a saving clause. Now, however, though he walked and talked with Erminie, his eyes and his thoughts followed Elfie as she sauntered on in front of them by the side of Dr. Sales.
“They both reciprocate your regard, I am very sure,” said Erminie, kindly.