For a wonder, Kitty's dress was pretty and well worthy of observation. Miss Patty made many comments, and her curiosity being satisfied, commenced retreating towards the place she had left, first glancing behind her to see if it was still vacant, and then moving towards it with a backward motion, consisting of a series of curtseys.
Fanny Bruce, who stood near, observing that she had made an exact calculation how many steps would be required to reach her seat, placed her hand on the back of the chair, as if to draw it away; and encouraged by a look and smile from Isabel, moved it, slightly, but still enough to endanger the old lady's safety.
On attempting to regain it, Miss Pace stumbled, and would have fallen, but Gertrude--who had been watching Fanny's proceedings--sprang forward in time to fling an arm around her, and place her safely in the chair, casting at the same time a reproachful look at Fanny, who, much confused, turned to avoid Gertrude's gaze, and in doing so accidentally trod on Mr. Graham's gouty toes, which drew from him an exclamation of pain.
"Fan," said Mr. Bruce, who had observed the latter accident only, "I wish you could learn politeness."
"Whom am I to learn it from?" asked Fanny, pertly,--"you?"
Ben looked provoked, but forbore to reply; while Miss Pace, who had recovered her composure, said--"Politeness! Ah, a lovely but rare virtue; perceptibly developed, however, in the manners of my friend Gertrude, which I hesitate not to affirm would well become a princess."
Belle curled her lip, and smiled disdainfully. "Lieutenant Osborne," said she, "don't you think Miss Devereux has beautiful manners?"
"Very fine," replied the lieutenant; "the style in which she receives company, on her reception-day, is elegance itself."
"Who are you speaking of?" inquired Kitty; "Mrs. Harry Noble?"
"Miss Devereux, we were remarking upon," said Belle; "but Mrs. Noble is also very stylish."
"I think she is," said Mr. Bruce; "do you hear, Fanny?--we have found a model for you,--you must imitate Mrs. Noble."
"I don't know anything about Mrs. Noble," retorted Fanny; "I'd rather imitate Miss Flint. Miss Gertrude," said she, "how _shall_ I learn politeness?"
"Do you remember," asked Gertrude, speaking low, "what your music-master told you about learning to _play_ with expression? I should give you the same rule for improvement in politeness."