I sent a note of invitation round to Mrs.McMurray.
Carlotta did not come down at half-past seven.

We waited.

At last Mrs.
McMurray went up to the room and presently returned shepherding a shy, blushing, awkward, piteous young person who had evidently been crying.
My friend signed to me to take no notice.

I attributed the child's lack of gaiety to the ordeal of sitting for the first time in her life at a civilised dinner-table.

She scarcely spoke and scarcely ate.