The Kensingtons’ apartments were aglow. The transformed room’s luminescence esteemed the ball in the opinions of the young guests as the most magnificent they had ever seen; but even the less youthful guests could be prevailed upon to assent to its magnificence.
The ball had been arranged on the favour promised by the indulgent Mrs. Kensington to Alice, the youngest sister of Miss Abbott. The favour was not lost on young Alice who now chatted amiably with a group of young men, the former having taken her leave of dancing to catch her breath.
Miss Victoria Abbott herself occupied the least conspicuous corner of the room, enjoying the company of her sister and closest friend Ella. They were at that moment commenting on the quality of the company when a young man whom they had seen often and heard of much more often joined them to make his first acquaintance with the two eldest Abbotts. The young man bowed.
“I hope you will excuse my intrusion,” he began, “but I could not help overhearing your lively commentary on the company I have only recently had the pleasure of acquainting myself. I expect you will forgive my desire to understand your opinions of your friends of many years.” Miss Abbott stiffly but courteously bowed in response.
“Your intrusion is not unwelcome.”
“I thank you. Excuse me, for it seems I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Julius Kinsley.”
“Victoria Abbott.” Ella curtsied.
“Ella.”
“A pleasure.” Mr. Kinsley’s eyes lingered on Ella before he spoke again, contemplating her sparing communication attributing it to shyness of sudden and unexpeceted company.
“Please, continue your conversation, I meant not to interrupt.” Ella contrary to Mr. Kinsley’s fleeting first impression, began amiably the revival of a tired topic between the two sisters.
“We were simply noticing, Mr. Kinsley, how different some people seem to be at balls and yet how remarkably similar others are.”
“And if you shouldn’t mind telling a stranger, Miss Ella, who were the objects of your observations?”
“Have you had the pleasure of an acquaintance with Lottie Norwood?”
“It may be that I have. I have no recollection of whether we met on the floor or the side of it so much lively company have I enjoyed since my arrival,” Kingsley noted.
“She enjoys whichever is more popular at the moment. She can now be seen to the side of the floor boasting of her latest attachment.”
Nihilistic Porcupine 