`` Good evening , Apollo ! '' she answered , smiling back at him , for he too looked unusually debonair , and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused Amy to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart . `` Here are your flowers . I arranged them myself , remembering that you did n't like what Hannah calls a ` sot-bookay ' , '' said Laurie , handing her a delicate nosegay , in a holder that she had long coveted as she daily passed it in Cardiglia 's window . `` How kind you are ! '' she exclaimed gratefully . `` If I 'd known you were coming I 'd have had something ready for you today , though not as pretty as this , I 'm afraid . '' `` Thank you . It is n't what it should be , but you have improved it , '' he added , as she snapped the silver bracelet on her wrist . `` Please do n't . '' `` I thought you liked that sort of thing . '' `` Not from you , it does n't sound natural , and I like your old bluntness better . '' `` I 'm glad of it , '' he answered , with a look of relief , then buttoned her gloves for her , and asked if his tie was straight , just as he used to do when they went to parties together at home . The company assembled in the long salle a manger , that evening , was such as one sees nowhere but on the Continent . The hospitable Americans had invited every acquaintance they had in Nice , and having no prejudice against titles , secured a few to add luster to their Christmas ball . A Russian prince condescended to sit in a corner for an hour and talk with a massive lady , dressed like Hamlet 's mother in black velvet with a pearl bridle under her chin . A Polish count , aged eighteen , devoted himself to the ladies , who pronounced him , ' a fascinating dear ' , and a German Serene Something , having come to supper alone , roamed vaguely about , seeking what he might devour . Baron Rothschild 's private secretary , a large-nosed Jew in tight boots , affably beamed upon the world , as if his master 's name crowned him with a golden halo . A stout Frenchman , who knew the Emperor , came to indulge his mania for dancing , and Lady de Jones , a British matron , adorned the scene with her little family of eight . Of course , there were many light-footed , shrill-voiced American girls , handsome , lifeless-looking English ditto , and a few plain but piquante French demoiselles , likewise the usual set of traveling young gentlemen who disported themselves gaily , while mammas of all nations lined the walls and smiled upon them benignly when they danced with their daughters .
Any young girl can imagine XXXXX 's state of mind when she ` took the stage ' that night , leaning on Laurie 's arm .
American Americans Amy Laurie Polish Rothschild Russian Something daily hour