But I'm going to keep it sternly back and tell it just as it happened, and not begin at the ice-cream instead of the soup.
Very well, then.

I went last night with Grandfather and Aunt Hattie to the reception; and Mother said I looked very sweet, and any-father-ought-to-be-proud-of me in my new dress.

Grandfather patted me, put on his glasses, and said, "Well, well, bless my soul! Is this our little Mary Marie ?" And even Aunt Hattie said if I acted as well as I looked I'd do very well.

Then Mother kissed me and ran upstairs _quick_.

But I saw the tears in her eyes, and I knew why she hurried so.
At the reception I saw Father right away, but he didn't see me for a long time.