ded the circle: and
Mrs. Graham, perceiving that Kitty and Fanny would soon burst into
uncontrollable fits of laughter, made the move for the company to quit
the table.

The gentlemen did not care to linger, and followed the ladies into the
wide entry, the coolness of which invited every one to loiter there
during the heat of the day. Miss Patty and Fanny Bruce compelled the
unwilling Gertrude to join the group there assembled; and Mrs. Graham,
who could not forego her afternoon nap, was the only one who absented
herself.

So universal was the interest Miss Patty excited, that all private
dialogue was suspended, and close attention given to whatever topic the
old lady was discussing.

Belle maintained a slightly scornful expression of countenance, and
tried with partial success to divert Lieutenant Osborne's thoughts into
another channel; but Kitty was so delighted with Miss Pace's
originality, that she made no attempt at any exclusive conversation,
and, with Mr. Bruce sitting beside her and joining in her amusement,
looked more than contented.

Dress and fashion, two favourite themes with Miss Patty, were now
introduced, and, after discoursing upon her love of the beautiful, as
witnessed in the mantua-making and millinery arts, she deliberately left
her seat, and going towards Belle (who wished to avoid her), began to
examine the material of her dress, and requested her to rise and permit
her to further inspect the mode in which it was made, declaring the
description of so modern a master-piece of art would be a feast to the
ears of some of her junior acquaintances.

Belle indignantly refused to comply, and shook off the hand of the old
lady as if there had been contamination in her touch.

"Do stand up, Belle," said Kitty, in an undertone; "don't be so cross."

"Why don't you stand up yourself," said Belle, "and show off your own
dress, for the benefit of her low associates?"

"She didn't ask me," replied Kitty, "but I will, with pleasure, if she
will condescend to look at it. Miss Pace," continued she gaily, placing
herself in front of the inquisitive Miss Patty, "do admire my gown at
your leisure, and take a pattern of it, if you like, I should be proud
of the honour."

For a wonder, Kitty's dress was pretty and well worthy of observation.
Miss Patty made many comments, and her curiosity being satisfied,
commenced retreating towards the place she had left, first glancing
behind her to see if it was still