I knew she had sometimes been invited out before and had not been allowed to go , but she had never cared apparently . `` Well , what is to be done ? '' I whispered to Jerry . `` Take Miss Ponsonby to the party with us , of course , '' said Jerry , popping out from behind the curtain . I did n't ask her if she expected to fly through the air with Miss Ponsonby , although short of that I could n't see how the latter was to be got out of the house without her father knowing . The old gentleman had a den off the hall where he always sat in the evening and smoked fiercely , after having locked all the doors to keep the servants in . He was a delightful sort of person , that old Mr. Ponsonby . Jerry poked her head as far as she could out of the window . `` Miss Ponsonby , you are going to the dance , '' she said in a cautious undertone , `` so do n't cry any more or your eyes will be dreadfully red . '' `` It is impossible , '' said Miss Ponsonby resignedly . `` Nothing is impossible when I make up my mind , '' said Jerry firmly . `` You must get dressed , climb down that acacia tree , and join us in our yard . It will be pitch dark in a few minutes and your father will never know . '' I had a frantic vision of Miss Ponsonby scrambling down that acacia tree like an eloping damsel . But Jerry was in dead earnest , and really it was quite possible if Miss Ponsonby only thought so . I did not believe she would think so , but I was mistaken . Her thorough course in Libbey heroines and their marvellous escapades had quite prepared her to contemplate such an adventure calmly -- in the abstract at least . But another obstacle presented itself . `` It 's impossible , '' she said again , after her first flash hope . `` I have n't a fit dress to wear -- I 've nothing at all but my black cashmere and it is three years old . ''
But the more hindrances in XXXXX 's way when she sets out to accomplish something the more determined and enthusiastic she becomes .
Jerry Ponsonby evening first gentleman heroines minutes obstacle old undertone