First Ball. 63 



with whom to enter and to sit beside. Few ladies 

 kept carriages, but went in sedan chairs, of which 

 there were stands in the principal streets. Ladies 

 were generally attended by a man-servant, but I 

 went alone, as our household consisted of two maid- 

 servants only. My mother knew, however, that 

 the Highlanders who carried me could be trusted. 

 I was fond of dancing, and never without partners, 

 and often came home in bright daylight. The 

 dances were reels, country dances, and sometimes 

 Sir Eoger de Coverley. 



[At this period, although busily engaged in studying 

 painting at Nasmyth's academy, practising the piano five 

 hours a day, and pursuing her more serious studies 

 zealously, my mother went a good deal into society, for 

 Edinburgh was a gay, sociable place, and many people 

 who recollect her at that time, and some who were her 

 dancing partners, have told me she was much admired, 

 and a great favourite. They said she had a graceful 

 figure, below the middle size, a small head, well set on 

 her shoulders, a beautiful complexion, bright, intelligent 

 eyes, and a profusion of soft brown hair. Besides the 

 various occupations I have mentioned, she made all her 

 own dresses, even for balls. These, however, unlike the 

 elaborate productions of our day, were simply of fine 

 India muslin, with a little Flanders lace. She says of 

 her life in Edinburgh : 



