beautiful Tyrolienne, in a dress of black, silver, and velvet, with her yellow hair hanging in two plaits down her back, passed into the room, accompanied by Charles the First in a large wig and cloak; and the next moment they were whirling along in the waltz, coming into innumerable collisions with all the celebrated folk who ever lived in history.  And who were these gentlemen in the scarlet collars and cuffs, who but for these adornments would have been in ordinary evening dress? he made bold to ask the friendly clown, who was staring in a pensive manner at the rushing couples.

“They call it the Windsor uniform,” said the clown. “I think it mean.  I sha’n’t come in a fancy dress again, if stitching on a red collar will do.”

At this moment the waltz came to an end, and the people began to walk up and down the spacious apartment.  Macleod entered the throng to look about him.  And soon he perceived, in one of the little stands at the side of the hall, the noble lady who had asked him to go to this assembly, and forthwith he made his way through the crowd to her.  He was most graciously received.

“Shall I tell you a secret, Lady ——?” said he.  “You know the children belonging to the charity; they are all below, and they are sitting doing nothing, and they are all very tired and half asleep.  It is a shame to keep them there—­”

“But the Prince hasn’t come yet; and they must be marched round:  they show that we are not making fools of ourselves for nothing.”

A sharper person than Macleod might have got in a pretty compliment here:  for this lady was charmingly dressed as Flora Macdonald; but he merely said:—­

“Very well; perhaps it is necessary.  But I think I can get them some amusement, if you will only keep the director of them, that is, Mr. ——­, out of the way.  Now shall I send him to you?  Will you talk to him?”

“What do you mean to do?”

“I want to give them a dance.  Why should you have all the dancing up here?”

“Mind, I am not responsible.  What shall I talk to him about?”

Macleod considered for a moment.

“Tell him that I will take the whole of the girls and boys to the Crystal Palace for a day, if it is permissable; and ask him what it will cost, and all about the arrangements.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.  Why not?  They can have a fine run in the grounds, and six pipers to play for them.  I will ask them now whether they will go.”

He left and went downstairs.  He had seen but few people in the hall above whom he knew.  He was not fond of dancing, though he knew the elaborate variations of the reel.  And here was a bit of practical amusement.

“Oh, Mr. ——­,” said he, with great seriousness, “I am desired by Lady ——­ to say that she would like to see you for a moment or two.  She wishes to ask you some questions about your young people.”

“The Prince may come at any moment,” said Mr. ——­ doubtfully.