“Anna, mind, you are not to stay late,” said Anna’s grandfather.
“‘Late?’—Who stays late at a President’s reception? Everybody—that is, almost everybody, leaves before twelve. I shall be back by half-past eleven, sir. It is only to make one’s bow or courtesy to his Excellency in the Reception Room, and walk once or twice through the East Room, and come away,” laughed Anna.
“Very well, I shall sit up for you,” said General Lyon, by way of sealing the bargain, as he retreated from the carriage door.
The coachman put up the steps, clapped to the door, mounted his box, and drove off.
CHAPTER XVII
MORAL MADNESS.
And she was all forgotten,
Amid the dazzling hall,
Amid the thundering music
And maddening carnival.—Anon.
“I was so upset by what you told me, Anna, that I really forgot to ask you how long you have been in the city,” said Alexander, as soon as the horses were in motion.