She had a very large acquaintance, was rigidly conventional, valued every one according to a social standard, and, therefore, her estimate was always attended to.

She had a young daughter who promised to be very like her, and she inhabited a suite of large rooms on a first floor, where for many years dramatic representations, _tableaux vivants_, rehearsals, etc., had been constantly held.
This influential lady was deep in consultation with her mantuamaker as to how the new dress of her daughter could be best made so as to display her faultless bust without exciting comment at the dancing-lesson, when her favorite, Fink, was announced.

Dismissing a while the weighty consideration, she hurried down to give him a most gracious reception.
After a few introductory remarks upon the last evening party at which they had met, Fink began: "I have obeyed your orders, lady patroness, and shall bring you three gentlemen." "And who are they ?" "First, Lieutenant von Zernitz." "A great acquisition," was the reply, for the lieutenant was considered an accomplished officer.

He made neat verses, was great in the arrangement of _tableaux vivants_, and was said to have written a tale in some annual or other.

"Herr von Zernitz is a delightful companion." "Yes," said Fink; "but he can not bear port wine.