Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/174

 In one respect she was admirably fitted to introduce a young lady into public, being as fond of going everywhere and seeing everything herself as any young lady could be. Dress was her passion. She had a most harmless delight in being fine; and our heroine's entrée into life could not take place till after three or four days had been spent in learning what was mostly worn, and her chaperon was provided with a dress of the newest fashion. Catherine, too, made some purchases herself; and when all these matters were arranged, the important evening came which was to usher her into the Upper Rooms.

"It was a splendid sight; and she began for the first time that evening to feel herself at a ball. She longed to dance, but she had not an acquaintance in the room. Mrs. Allen did all that she could do in such a case by saying very placidly every now and then, 'I wish you could dance, my dear; I wish you could get a partner.' For some time her young friend felt obliged to her for these wishes, but they were repeated so often, and proved so wholly ineffectual, that Catherine grew tired at last, and would thank her no more.

"'How uncomfortable it is,' whispered Catherine, 'not to have a single acquaintance here.'

"'Yes, my dear,' replied Mrs. Allen, with perfect serenity, 'it is very uncomfortable indeed. I wish we had a large acquaintance here.'

"'I wish we had any; it would be somebody to go to.'

"'Very true, my dear; and if we knew anybody, we would join them directly. The Skinners were here last year. I wish they were here now. '

"'But, dear Mrs. Allen, are you sure there is