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 Amy 's state of mind when she ` took the stage ' that night , leaning on Laurie 's arm . She knew she looked well , she loved to dance , she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom , and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty , youth , and womanhood . She did pity the Davis girls , who were awkward , plain , and destitute of escort , except a grim papa and three grimmer maiden aunts , and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed , which was good of her , as it permitted them to see her dress , and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguished-looking friend might be . With the first burst of the band , Amy 's color rose , her eyes began to sparkle , and her feet to tap the floor impatiently , for she danced well and wanted Laurie to know it . Therefore the shock she received can better be imagined than described , when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone , `` Do you care to dance ? '' `` One usually does at a ball . '' Her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible . `` I meant the first dance . May I have the honor ? '' `` I can give you one if I put off the Count . He dances devinely , but he will excuse me , as you are an old friend , '' said Amy , hoping that the name would have a good effect , and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with . `` Nice little boy , but rather a short Pole to support ... A daughter of the gods , Devinely tall , and most devinely fair , '' was all the satisfaction she got , however . The set in which they found themselves was composed of English , and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillion , feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantella with relish . Laurie resigned her to the ` nice little boy ' , and went to do his duty to Flo , without securing Amy for the joys to come , which reprehensible want of forethought was properly punished , for she immediately engaged herself till supper , meaning to relent if he then gave any signs penitence . She showed him her ball book with demure satisfaction when he strolled instead of rushed up to claim her for the next , a glorious polka redowa .
But his polite regrets did n't impose upon her , and when she galloped away with the Count , she saw XXXXX sit down by her aunt with an actual expression of relief .
Amy British Count English Flo Hamlet Laurie Rothschild first night