I hope I shall be able to persuade her to stay with me for a little time. I was up both Wednesday and Thursday but I did not go today as the weather was very bad. Papa was here today for a long time on his way home. I received an invitation for us yesterday to go to a ball at Colonel Gold's tonight. I suppose they did not know that you were gone. I sent an apology to Mrs Gold this morning. I suppose I must call as there were cards sent along with the invitation. I do not know whether I should do so or not before your return. I must ask some persons' opinions on the subject. I understand the ball on Wednesday went off very well but I have seen no one who was at it yet. I had several visitors yesterday but I did not see any of them as I was up at Mama's by one o'clock. Of course I cannot be expected to