But I had resolved this time to be prepared and not to let myself be startled, but still papa did, and very very much; he startled the whole roomful of people and they jumped as one man.
The other story was also very funny and interesting and I enjoyed the evening inexpressibly much.

After papa had finished reading we all went down to the collation in the dining-room and after that there was dancing and singing.

Then the guests went away and papa and I went to bed.

The next morning we rose early, took an early train for Hartford and reached Hartford at 1/2 past 2 o'clock.

We were very glad to get back.
How charitably she treats that ghastly experience! It is a dear and lovely disposition, and a most valuable one, that can brush away indignities and discourtesies and seek and find the pleasanter features of an experience.