Presently a footman entered the room, and after a moment's looking about him, he went up to Mrs Kirkpatrick, where she sate at the piano, the centre of the musical portion of the company, ready to accompany any singer, and smiling pleasantly as she willingly acceded to all requests.She came now towards Molly, in her corner, and said to her, - 'Do you know, darling, your papa has come for you, and brought your pony for you to ride home; so I shall lose my little bedfellow, for I suppose you must go.' Go! was there a question of it in Molly's mind, as she stood up quivering, sparkling, almost crying out loud.She was brought to her senses, though, by Mrs Kirkpatrick's next words, 'You must go and wish Lady Cumnor good-night, you know, my dear, and thank her ladyship for her kindness to you, She is there, near that statue, talking to Mr Courtenay.' Yes! she was there - forty feet away - a hundred miles away! All that blank space had to be crossed; and then a speech to be made! 'Must I go?' asked Molly, in the most pitiful and pleading voice possible.'Yes; make haste about it; there is nothing so formidable in it, is there?'
