them without my kind assistance. Here,
come along, be quick."

"My head is getting _moithered_, and that's the only word," said nurse
Martin. "Dear, dear, what _are_ the young coming to? And sakes alive,
what in the world are those?"

The creatures thus apostrophised by the almost frightened nurse Martin,
were a troop of fairies and brownies, who now rushed into the ball-room
from every direction. The band struck up a merry waltz, and the fairies
and brownies began to dance with vigour.

"Its past belief," said Mrs. Martin "and did you make all them wings,
Miss Annie?"

"Oh, dear, no," replied Annie; "they were made by the mothers of the
fairies--at least, I presume so. Now come into the supper-room and let
me get you a comfortable seat."

Mrs. Martin was glad enough to comply. She said the slippery floor of
the ball-room, and the uncanny creatures that were all round her, made
her feel as if the top of her head would come off. She uttered a little
shriek of terror as Jane Macalister, dressed as Minerva, glided fiercely
by, and was glad to seat herself in a safe corner behind one of the long
supper tables. Annie desired a servant to give her all the refreshment
she required, and then ran off to attend to the other guests.

Fast and furious rose the fun. During the whole of the present century
the old ball-room at the Towers had not reflected so gay and animated a
scene. Grim ancestors of the house of Lorrimer looked down from their
tarnished frames at the last Lorrimers as they danced away their
precious time in this frivolous and yet enchanting manner. The grown
people, who sat in the gallery and on benches near the walls, talked in
whispers to one another about the lovely scene. The Lorrimers were
popular in the county, and although rumours of coming trouble were rife
about them, yet their friends and well-wishers augured happy results
from this present gaiety.

But why was not the Squire present, and why was Mrs. Lorrimer absent?

Molly, who made the gentlest of shepherdesses, came up as these remarks
passed the good people's lips. She stopped to speak to an old friend of
her mother's.

"I'm so glad you were able to come," she said; "and how sweet your
children look."

"It was very kind of you to ask us, my dear," responded this lady, "and
the sight is a charming one--quite charming; but I am sorry to miss your
mother."

"Mother is in London at present; she is away on special business. She is
ever so