“‘I’m really glad to see you all; this is _quite_ a surprise. Come in Mollie. How do, Lizzie? Ah! Josephine, dear. Come in, gentlemen,’ said Clare bustling about. ‘I’m so glad you’ve come.’ “And while she bustled about, giving orders to various servants, Lady Bray helped her to do the honors of the house (for the colonel was a widower), and made every one at home. “Music was the order of the evening, and ere long, harps, flutes, violins, and voices were good-humoredly engaged in quartettes and chorusses. “The colonel was in his element. “He was here, there, and everywhere; ordering this, and arranging that, for the evening dance. “His anxiety was so great to please the young people, and he seemed so flurried with his preparations, that he was red and perspiring, while two or three ‘merry imps’ of young girls, were following him about, doing their utmost to confuse or amuse him. “The large and small drawing-rooms were thrown into one; numberless wax tapers were arranged in groups, with vases of newly plucked flowers, and all bade fair for a pleasant party, in which English youth so much delight. “Cook, with some half dozen assistants, was squabbling over her numerous pots and pans. First one dish was upset, and then another, until the whole culinary department seemed in a state of haste, noise, bustle and confusion. “As soon as it became known that the band was going to Colonel Temple’s house half-a-dozen or more couples of both sexes hurried thither uninvited, for the colonel’s friends never waited for invitations in those good old times, and kept dropping in until the fine old gentleman sat under the verandah laughing and smoking his pipe in a state of bliss. “Supper had long been over, and here and there along the garden walks couples strolled, laughing in the moonlight, while the sounds of music were issuing from the drawing-room, at the windows of which, opening on the lawn, stood here and there, one or two, enjoying the cooling breeze of the lovely summer night. “All was gaiety and pleasure; servants were flying hither and thither with trays, decanters, and every sort of refreshment, and more than one rogue of a servant hid behind some door to pay his respects to a half-emptied bottle of wine. “Clare, with noiseless step and busy air, was studying the comforts of her friends and companions, while Lady Bray, all animation and gaiety, was the life and soul of the party. “Clare was beloved by all for her gentleness and exalted virtues, while Lady Bray was admired for dashing manners and beauty of feature. “The lady guests would cluster round Clare, and kiss and toy with her as if she was their sister, while gentlemen took pleasure in courting the company of Lady Emma, who, perfectly conscious of her charms, was pleasantly teazing them with coquetry and wit.