At four o'clock I had a cup of tea, and then dressed myself in readiness for Mr. Humphreys' call. I was a little at a loss to know how to dress, but white could not be out of place on a girl, so I put on a white lustrous alpaca, trimmed with narrow bands of white satin. My hair was well and becomingly arranged, and I had my satin slippers, and long, white, lace mitts, in a bag over my arm. I thought I looked very pretty, and Mr. Humphreys said so, as he gave me a fresh camilla to pin in front of my dress.
As I entered the Humphreys' house Mrs. Humphreys gave me a hearty welcome, and, as soon as I was ready, introduced me to a number of middle-aged ladies and gentlemen, who were sitting or walking about in the large parlors. I wondered at seeing no young people, but every one was so kind, I never thought of disappointment. I was particularly attracted by a Mrs. Semple, a tall, dark woman, with unmistakable signs of having been a great beauty. The moment I was introduced to her, she said,
"You can leave the lassie wi' me, Mistress Humphreys. I'll make her as wise as mysel' anent the notables in the room. I'm feared there's few to brag about, but there's nae use in letting strangers ken we're just common folk."
In pursuance of this intention, she said, as I was seated beside her, "Look at Peter McIntosh. Do you see the man?"
"Then I'll make you acquaint. Peter is a good man to know, and his wife is weel worthy o' him. Peter is a notable shoemaker. He makes shoes by the thousands, and sends them to America for sale."
"Yes. His factory is in the Goose Dubs. He'll take you to see it willingly. Ship loads o' his shoes go to the Yankees, but they are getting on to his ways, and he had better make shoes while he can, for they'll beat him at his own game soon. The little body in violet silk is his wife; she is aye trotting after him. How long have you known John Humphreys?"
"A few hours, but he is an old friend of my father's."
"Weel, that's a fine beginning. John is another Glasgow notable. He's only an exciseman, if you come dawn to facts, but they ca' him a Supervisor. It's a grand place for John, and he fills it wi' great credit to himsel'. The big man he is talking to is called Sage. His wife hasna' ta'en her e'en off you since you came into the room. She'll be telling hersel' that you will make a braw wife for her son Alick. Alick will be here anon. Tak' care, or you'll lose your heart to him. Thanks be! there's the dinner bell at the last, but it is three minutes past ordered time. Annie Humphreys ought to be reprimanded--only her husband daurna do it," and she lifted her long velvet train, and took Mr. Sage's arm as she expressed this opinion.