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.—Oh, these seats are lovely!

.—Aren't they? We can see everybody.

.—How full the hall is!

.—Oh, yes; it's the thing, you know.

.—Yes; I was awfully sorry I didn't come down to the first one. I dined at the Elliotts' that night, and they were all talking about it.

.—I see lots of people who'll be at the Cadwallader dance to-night, so you'll be all right.

.—Yes, indeed! Rain, hail, and frost couldn't have kept me away this afternoon.

.—There's Maud Mezzotone. She goes in for music, you know, and shows regularly at all these places.

.—And can't sing or play a note.

.—Oh, no, indeed! I heard her going on the other evening to this very same organist who is playing now. She said: "I never play; I appreciate the lofty genius of the old masters far too much to attempt in my feeble way to interpret them." It was too touching to hear her.

.—What a humbug she is!

.—Oh, frightful!

.—Oh, dear, I shall split my glove if I applaud any harder. It was a lovely thing, though.

.—Just too sweet. Which is it on the programme?

.—The second, I think. This "Fugue" of Bach's.

.—Oh, yes, I do so enjoy Bach's music.

.—So do I. What a funny-looking person this pianist is?

.—Awful! Do look at his hands.

.—He is not a bit swell, is he? Some of them are.

.—Yes, indeed! Do you remember Professor Capo?

.—Oh, yes! Wasn't he lovely?

.—Perfectly so! Such exquisite teeth!

.—How long do you suppose this wretched creature is going to play?

.—I'm sure I don't know. Have you got any nougat?

.—Yes; but dare we eat it? It's awfully vulgar to munch here.

.—Put some in my muff, and I'll manage it with my handkerchief.

.—I'm just dying for some.

.—It's awfully good. I just dote on almond nougat.

.—So do I. There, he is done at last. Why, how they do applaud! He must have played something.

.—Let's see—oh, it's this "variation" of Beethoven's.

.—No, we were wrong before. That other piece wasn't the "Fugue." It was that Liszt "arrangement," and this is the "Symphonie."

.—Oh. yes; I do believe this will be a recall.

.—It looks like it. There! I cannot clap any more.

.—He's coming back. Don't look now, but Jack Meredith is directly across the hall from us.

.—Is he? Who's with him?

.—A man I don't know—swell, too.

.—All Jack's friends are swell.

.—He's awfully nice, too, I think. Did you ever notice what lovely ties he wears?

.—Yes; and what a lovely bow he makes. I just love to meet him on the avenue.

.—He's talking to Mrs. De Twillenham.

.—I don't see how he can. I think her airs are detestable.

.—So do I; but then you know she's a De Twillenham.

.—Yes, I know. She has begun her afternoons, you know.

.—Oh, yes, indeed! We have cards. I shall show at about the third.

.—Mama has put the second down on her tablets, but I think I'll take the third, too.

.—It's apt to be the most successful. Do look at that Robinson girl trying to catch her eye.

.—She toadies fearfully. Quick! Mrs. De Twillenham is looking this way. There! I'm awfully glad she bowed. See, the crowd all about her are looking to see who it was she recognized.

.—The Robinson will be cold with envy.

.—She ought to be. Such crowding and pushing as she is making ought not to be encouraged.

.—Yes, they're awfully common. Nell Gadabout said she took in one of their dinners, and they had stoppers in the carafes. Fancy decanted water!

.—Isn't that too absurd!

.—Oh, here is the basso.

.—Rather good-looking, isn't he?

.—Rather. I don't admire that sort of man, though. Mercy, what a voice!

.—Down in his boots, I should say.

.—What is he singing? Oh, from the "Messiah." I hate oratorios.

.—So do I. They're too awfully severe, I think.

.—Frightful. There's only one thing more. Let's go after this.

.—Very well. Mrs. De Twillenham is putting her wrap on.

.—Yes; and Jack Meredith has taken his hat.

.—We'll just about meet them in the lobby.

.—Oh, my dear Mrs. De Twillenham, how do you do? Good afternoon, Mr. Meredith. Hasn't this been a charming hour?

.—So restful and soothing. I have been in a perfect trance of dreamy enjoyment.