When the time comes for me to be a mistress I shall take good care that everybody does what is right." These reflections occurred to Phyllis while she was sitting out a dance for which Hetty had got a partner.
Soon afterwards, while the breathless flock of young dancers were fanning themselves on the sofas, the lady of the house requested Hetty to recite or act something to amuse the company.
At this proposal Hetty was startled and dismayed.

It was a very long time since she had done anything of the kind, except for the amusement of Mark and Nell, and she had forgotten all the old stories and characters that used to be found so entertaining by grown people.

She felt a shyness amounting to terror at being obliged to come forward and perform before this company; and, besides, she was very sure that Mrs.
Enderby would disapprove of her doing so.

She therefore begged earnestly to be excused, and retreated into a corner.

The lady of the house desisted for a time from her persuasions, but after another dance was finished she renewed her request.