"Oh, isn't it a magnificent place?" she said, "and such a dinner as they had last night--course after course, if you'll believe me.  I should think there must have been fifteen courses if there was one.  I kept counting them, and then my poor head got so confused, for I was seated not far from Sir John, and he talked to me in such a kind, marked sort of way, and your Aunt Susan kept glittering her pale blue eyes at me as if she was eaten up with jealousy.  I tell you, my darling, I did enjoy myself; I gave myself away, and talked in a frank, pleasant, easy sort of style.  I made several of the guests laugh, I did really.  Florence, my dear, my dress is beautiful; it quite stands out with richness.  I assure you, my love, you will have no cause to be ashamed of your little Mummy to-night.  I got Miss Macgregor to put a yard and a half of train into the back--a yard and a half, Flo, and it quite adds to my height.  I have not had such a lovely dress since your poor dear father's time--that I haven't.  I thought I would like to thank Sir John in private, and to tell him that I have made the money for my expenses go so far that I was able to purchase the dress."