On the terrace were many seats, and the whole place was a blaze of gay dresses, brilliant flowers, and happy, smiling faces.
It was here the _elite_ of the pleasure-seekers evidently meant to congregate, and as Mrs.Bell intended, on this occasion at least, to join herself to the select few, her object was to get on the terrace.
She had not at first, however, the courage to mount those five sacred steps uninvited.

The battery of eyes which would be immediately turned upon her would be greater than even her high spirit could support.

Mr.
Ingram had already spoken to her, she did not know Mrs.Bertram, although she felt that if Catherine or Mabel were near she might call to one of them, and make herself known as Matty's mother.
Catherine and Mabel were, however, several fields away engaged in a vigorous game of archery.

Mrs.Bell raised her fat face, and surveyed the potentates of the terrace with anxiety.
"Keep close to me, Matty," she said to her eldest daughter.

"Don't go putting yourself in the background.