vised will be effectual in weaning my
daughter from this absurd idea, Miss Crumpton,' continued the legislator,
'I hope you will have the goodness to comply, in all respects, with any
request I may forward to you.'

The promise was of course made; and after a lengthened discussion,
conducted on behalf of the Dingwalls with the most becoming diplomatic
gravity, and on that of the Crumptons with profound respect, it was
finally arranged that Miss Lavinia should be forwarded to Hammersmith on
the next day but one, on which occasion the half-yearly ball given at the
establishment was to take place. It might divert the dear girl's mind.
This, by the way, was another bit of diplomacy.

Miss Lavinia was introduced to her future governess, and both the Miss
Crumptons pronounced her 'a most charming girl;' an opinion which, by a
singular coincidence, they always entertained of any new pupil.

Courtesies were exchanged, acknowledgments expressed, condescension
exhibited, and the interview terminated.

Preparations, to make use of theatrical phraseology, 'on a scale of
magnitude never before attempted,' were incessantly made at Minerva House
to give every effect to the forthcoming ball. The largest room in the
house was pleasingly ornamented with blue calico roses, plaid tulips, and
other equally natural-looking artificial flowers, the work of the young
ladies themselves. The carpet was taken up, the folding-doors were taken
down, the furniture was taken out, and rout-seats were taken in. The
linen-drapers of Hammersmith were astounded at the sudden demand for blue
sarsenet ribbon, and long white gloves. Dozens of geraniums were
purchased for bouquets, and a harp and two violins were bespoke from
town, in addition to the grand piano already on the premises. The young
ladies who were selected to show off on the occasion, and do credit to
the establishment, practised incessantly, much to their own satisfaction,
and greatly to the annoyance of the lame old gentleman over the way; and
a constant correspondence was kept up, between the Misses Crumpton and
the Hammersmith pastrycook.

The evening came; and then there was such a lacing of stays, and tying of
sandals, and dressing of hair, as never can take place with a proper
degree of bustle out of a boarding-school. The smaller girls managed to
be in everybody's way, and were pushed about accordingly; and the elder
ones dressed, and tied, and flattered, and envied, one anoth