They nodded affably when Fanny introduced her, said something civil, and made room for her at the table round which they sat waiting for Monsieur.

Several of the more frolicsome were imitating the Grecian Bend, some were putting their heads together over little notes, nearly all were eating confectionery, and the entire twelve chattered like magpies.

Being politely supplied with caramels, Polly sat looking and listening, feeling very young and countrified among these elegant young ladies.
"Girls, do you know that Carrie has gone abroad?
There has been so much talk, her father could n't bear it, and took the whole family off.

Is n't that gay ?" said one lively damsel, who had just come in.
"I should think they 'd better go.

My mamma says, if I 'd been going to that school, she 'd have taken me straight away," answered another girl, with an important air.
"Carrie ran away with an Italian music-teacher, and it got into the papers, and made a great stir," explained the first speaker to Polly, who looked mystified.
"How dreadful!" cried Polly.
"I think it was fun.