Point Lace and Diamonds Part 8

LAKE MAHOPAC--SAt.u.r.dAY NIGHT.

"Yes, I'm here, I suppose you're delighted: You'd heard I was not coming down!

Why I've been here a week!--'rather early'-- I know, but it's horrid in town

A Boston? Most certainly, thank you.

This music is perfectly sweet; Of course I like dancing in summer; It's warm, but I don't mind the heat.

The clumsy thing! Oh! how he hurt me!

I really can't dance any more-- Let's walk--see, they're forming a Lancers; These square dances are such a bore.

My cloak--oh! I really don't need it-- Well, carry it,--so, in the folds-- I hate it, but Ma made me bring it; She's frightened to death about colds.

This _is_ rather cooler than dancing.

They're lovely piazzas up here; Those lanterns look sweet in the bushes, It's lucky the night is so clear.

I _am_ rather tired--in this corner?-- Very well, if you like--I don't care-- But you'll have to sit on the railing-- You see there is only one chair.

'_So_ long since you've seen me'--oh, ages!-- Let's see, why it's ten days ago-- 'Seems years'--oh! of course--don't look spooney-- It isn't becoming, you know.

How bright the stars seem to-night, don't they?

What was it you said about eyes?

How sweet!--why you must be a poet-- One never can tell till he tries.

Why can't you be sensible, Harry!

I don't like men's arms on my chair.

Be still! if you don't stop this nonsense I'll get up and leave you;--so there!

Oh! please don't--I don't want to hear it-- A boy like you talking of love.

'My answer!'--Well, sir, you shall have it-- Just wait till I get off my glove.

See that?--Well, you needn't look tragic, It's only a solitaire ring,-- Of course I am 'proud of it'--very-- It's rather an elegant thing.

Engaged!--yes--why, didn't you know it?

I thought the news must have reached here-- Why, the wedding will be in October-- The 'happy man'--Charley Leclear.

Now don't blame me--I tried to stop you-- But you _would_ go on like a goose; I'm sorry it happened--forget it-- Don't think of it--don't--what's the use?

There's somebody coming--don't look so-- Get up on the railing again-- _Can't_ you seem as if nothing had happened?

I never saw such geese as men!

Ah, Charley, you've found me! A galop?

The 'Bahn frei?' Yes; take my bouquet-- And my fan, if you will--now I'm ready-- You'll excuse me, of course, Mr. Gray."

MATINAL MUSINGS.

Ten o'clock! Well, I'm sure I can't help it!

I'm up--go away from the door!

Now, children, I'll speak to your mother If you pound there like that any more.

How tired I do feel?--Where's that cus.h.i.+on?-- I don't want to move from this chair; I wish Marie'd make her appearance!

I really _can't_ do my own hair.

I wish I'd not danced quite so often-- I knew I'd feel tired! but it's hard To refuse a magnificent dancer If you have a place left on your card.

I was silly to wear that green satin, It's a shame that I've spotted it so-- All down the front breadth--it's just ruined-- No tr.i.m.m.i.n.g will hide that, I know.

That's me! Have a costume imported, And spoil it the very first night!-- I might make an overskirt of it, That shade looks so lovely with white.

How horrid my eyes look! Good gracious!

I hope that I didn't catch cold Sitting out on the stairs with Will Stacy; If Ma knew that, wouldn't she scold!

She says he's so fast--well, who isn't?-- Dear! where is Marie?--how it rains!-- I don't care; he's real nice and handsome.

And his talk sounds as if he'd some brains.

I do wonder what _is_ the reason, That good men are all like Joe Price, So poky, and stiff, and conceited, And fast ones are always so nice.--

Just see how Joe acted last evening!

He didn't come near me at all, Because I danced twice with Will Stacy That night at the Charity ball.

I didn't care two pins to do it; But Joe said I mustn't,--and so-- I just did--he isn't my master, Nor sha'n't be, I'd like him to know.

I don't think he looked at me even, Though just to please him I wore green,-- And I'd saved him three elegant dances,-- _I_ wouldn't have acted so mean.

The way he went on with Nell Hadley; Dear me! just as if I would care!

I'd like to see those two get married, They'd make a congenial pair!

I'm getting disgusted with parties;-- I think I shall stop going out; What's the use of this fussing for people I don't care the least bit about.

I _did_ think that Joe had some sense once; But, my, he's just like all the men!

And the way that I've gone on about him,-- Just see if I do it again!

Only wait till the next time I see him, I'll pay him back; wont I be cool!

I've a good mind to drop him completely-- I'll--yes I will--go back to school.

The bell!--who can that be, I wonder!-- Let's see--I declare! why, it's Joe!-- How long they are keeping him waiting!

Good gracious! why don't the girl go!--

Yes--say I'll be down in a minute-- Quick, Marie, and do up my hair!-- Not that bow--the green one--Joe likes it-- How slow you are!--I'll pin it--there!