Invitations were sent out far and wide.

Agnes Darling's needle flew from early dawn till late at night; and Grace and the cook, absorbed in cake and jelly-making, were invisible all day long in the lower regions.

Eeny and Rose went heart and soul into the delightful fuss, all new to them, but Kate took little interest in it.

She was Sir Ronald's very good friend still, and, like Mrs.Micawber, never deserted him.

Captain Danton hid his diminished head in his study, in Mr.Richard's rooms, or took refuge with the Cure from the hubbub.
The eventful night at last came round, clear, cold, and near Christmas.
The old ball-room of Danton Hall, disused so long, had been refitted, waxed, and decorated; the long drawing-room was resplendent; the supper table set in the dining-room was dazzling to look at, with silver, Sevres, and glittering glass; the dressing-rooms were in a state of perfection; the servants all _en grande tenue_; and Danton Hall one blaze of light.