Young Time, we have often imagined, must be born fledged; for he can fly quickly as his sire!--It is the 3rd of January--the day prior to Mrs. Brown's ball.--Thus thought we, wending our way to Victoria Villa; having promised the Miss Browns to step in and practise the "_deux-temps_" with them; but, as we have since heard, it is another new double-shuffle that is turning the brains of the dancing world just now;--however, we went, and found Victoria in a pretty pickle--a perfect mixed pickle, we may say,--our dear young friends being much too busy to remember the appointment:--for there was the "Broadwood" standing upon the landing; and Master Tom cutting out slides upon the bare boards in the drawing-room, the carpet being taken to St. Stiff's Union, that it might be beaten--a thing we exceedingly rejoiced in; for last year the guests were obliged to beat it with their feet, and afterwards to carry the dust home upon their shoulders--the first polka being performed as if in the Great Desert, during a sand-storm. There was the chandelier (that looked all the year like a giant pear enveloped in holland) being removed to the parlour, and a much more splendid one suspended in its stead. We peeped into the drawing-room, and had our dignity compromised by a man on some steps; who directed us to "look alive and bring that hammer." So, it being very evident we were in the way, we withdrew, tumbling over a barricade of fenders and other furniture in the hall, raised during our absence by the insurgent housemaids; who, we are sorry to say, seemed rather diverted at the mishap, for we heard them giggle, though of course we appeared not to notice, and tried to walk away with a joyous air; at the same time vowing never to visit, even our best friends, on the day prior to a party. So we took care to keep away until the memorable evening arrived; but being particularly requested to come early, and bring our amiable sisters, we wished to do so. The Brougham was waiting, as were we--thinking to do so for some time:--having made up our mind and the study-fire--diving deep into the first book handy--an "Essay upon Light and Shade in Painting." Well, we were in the dark--with Rembrandt;--when the room appeared to fill with odoriferous vapour, and a blonde fairy stealthily touched our shoulder, making a mock salutation, that startled us very much:--it was our playful sister, whom we complimented upon appearance and expedition; well knowing ladies to be unable to dress in a given time for a ball, whatever they may do for an opera! [Illustration]