64 Mary Somerville. 



Girls had perfect liberty at that time in Edin- 

 burgh ; we walked together in Princes Street, the 

 fashionable promenade, and were joined by our 

 dancing partners. We occasionally gave little 

 supper parties, and presented these young men to 

 our parents as they came in. At these meetings 

 we played at games, danced reels, or had a little 

 music never cards. After supper there were toasts, 

 sentiments, and songs. There were always one or 

 two hot dishes, and a variety of sweet things and 

 fruit. Though I was much more at ease in society 

 now, I was always terribly put out when asked for 

 a toast or a sentiment. Like other girls, I did not dis- 

 like a little quiet flirtation ; but I never could speak 

 across a table, or take a leading part in conversation. 

 This diffidence was probably owing to the secluded 

 life I led in my early youth. At this time I gladly 

 took part in any gaiety that was going on, and spent 

 the day after a ball in idleness and gossiping with my 

 friends ; but these were rare occasions, for the balls 

 were not numerous, and I never lost sight of the 

 main object of my life, which was to prosecute my 

 studies. So I painted at Nasmyth's, played the 

 usual number of hours on the piano, worked and 

 conversed with my mother in the evening ; and as 

 we kept early hours, I rose at day-break, and after 

 dressing, I wrapped myself in a blanket from my 



