The mouth, though soft, was firm in line; the
eyebrows were distinct, and extended near to each other. 'I have
thought of it all day,' she continued, sadly. 'Still, sir, if you
are sorry you offered me anything, I can let you off.'
'Sorry?--Certainly not, Margery,' be said, rather nettled. 'I'll
show you that whatever hopes I have raised in your breast I am
honourable enough to gratify. If it lies in my power,' he added with
sudden firmness, 'you SHALL go to the Yeomanry Ball. In what
building is it to be held?'
'In the Assembly Rooms.'
'And would you be likely to be recognized there? Do you know many
people?'
'Not many, sir. None, I may say. I know nobody who goes to balls.'
'Ah, well; you must go, since you wish it; and if there is no other
way of getting over the difficulty of having nobody to take you, I'll
take you myself. Would you like me to do so? I can dance.'
'O, yes, sir; I know that, and I thought you might offer to do it.
But would you bring me back again?'
'Of course I'll bring you back. But, by-the-bye, can YOU dance?'
'Yes.'
'What?'
'Reels, and jigs, and country-dances like the New-Rigged-Ship, and
Follow-my-Lover, and Haste-to-the-Wedding, and the College Hornpipe,
and the Favourite Quickstep, and Captain White's dance.'
'A very good list--a very good! but unluckily I fear they don't dance
any of those now.
Pages:
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37