rld like one of his
namesakes in that beautiful place, the Zoological Gardens.

This was one of my most eventful days in London, and I shall long
remember it.

But now I must tell you of that evening--shall I confess it? the
happiest evening of my life--when Drinkwater and I went to Lady
Chaffinch's ball. My Aunt was too indisposed to accompany us; she
therefore called her son, and told him to take great care of me, as much
as if I were his own sister. I have an idea that if my dear Aunt knew
all, she would have said that he rather exceeded his instructions; but
never mind, he took great care of me.

The carriage came for us at ten o'clock, when, had I been at Gorse Bush,
I should have been fast asleep on my perch,--as Drinkwater says, for he
loves to plague me about being a Linnet. My Cousin was beautifully
attired; he wore a most superb cravat, of a deep ruby colour, and an
under-waistcoat of the brightest amber; but, in fact, he always attracts
admiration; and I think, without vanity, that I looked extremely well in
the new brown dress I took with me from home. At a quarter past ten we
entered Lady Chaffinch's ball-room, and, for a moment, I was perfectly
bewildered; indeed, Drinkwater had to apologise to our hostess for my
strange behaviour by saying I was not quite well. However, her ladyship,
whom I had often seen in the country, was very kind to me, led me to a
seat, and began asking after her old friends. This soon brought me to my
senses; and after a little while I could bear to look at the dazzling
chandeliers, the magnificent pier-glasses, and the splendidly-dressed
people, without being giddy at the sight. Soon after our arrival, the
band commenced playing, and some of the company arranged themselves for
a dance. Old Sir Cayman Alligator, an East-Indian Director, led out the
graceful Lady Caroline Giraffe, who, I must say, deserved the praise
young Nightingale bestowed upon her, when he said, she was one of
"Nature's nobility." I could not but admire her large, full eyes, which
looked at you so tenderly, and the gentle bending of her beautiful neck;
and then, what a contrast she was to her horrid-looking partner! I
suppose he must be very rich, or I cannot think why Lady Chaffinch
should have invited him. Opposite to them stood young Lord Crowe, a
younger brother of the noble Earl of Ravenskind, and with him was the
Honourable Miss Pigeon. Lord Crowe is a good-looking fellow, rather
dark, it must be confe