THE dancing was not yet begun, but the company was met, and the sprightly1 violins were employed to quicken their motions, when the Cleves party entered the ball room. They were distinguished2 immediately by a large party of officers, who assured Lionel, with whom they were acquainted, that they had impatiently been expected.
‘I shall recompense you for waiting,’ answered he, in a whisper, ‘by introducing you to the rich heiress of Cleves, who now makes her first appearance from the nursery; though no! upon farther thoughts, I will only tell you she is one of our set, and leave it to your own ingenuity3 to find her out.’
While this was passing, Indiana, fluttering with all the secret triumph of conscious beauty, attended by Edgar, and guarded by Miss Margland, walked up the room, through a crowd of admiring spectators; in whom a new figure, without half her loveliness, would have excited the same curiosity, that her extreme inexperience attributed solely4 to her peculiar5 charms. Camilla and Eugenia followed rather as if in her train, than of her party; but Lionel kept entirely6 with the officers, insisting upon their guessing which was the heiress; to whom, while he purposely misled their conjectures7, he urged them to make their court, by enumerating8 the present possessions of Sir Hugh, and her future expectations.
Camilla, however, passed not long unnoticed, though the splendor9 of Indiana’s appearance cast her at first on the back ground; a circumstance which, by impressing her with a sensation of inferiority, divested10 her mind of all personal considerations, and gave to her air and countenance11 a graceful12 simplicity13, a disengaged openness, and a guileless freedom from affectation, that rendered her, to the observant eye, as captivating upon examination, as Indiana, from the first glance, was brilliant and alluring14. And thus, as they patrolled the room, Indiana excited an unmixt admiration15, Camilla awakened16 an endless variety of remark; while each being seen for the first time, and every one else of the company for at least the second, all attention was their own, whether for criticism or for praise. To Indiana this answered, in fulfilling her expectations; by Camilla, it was unheeded, for, not awaiting, she did not perceive it; yet both felt equal satisfaction. The eyes of Camilla sparkled with delight as she surveyed all around her the gay novelty of the scene; the heart of Indiana beat with a pleasure wholly new, as she discovered that all surrounding her regarded her as the principal object.
Eugenia, meanwhile, had not even the negative felicity to pass unobserved; impertinent witticisms18 upon her face, person, and walk, though not uttered so audibly as to be distinctly heard, ran round the room in a confused murmur19, and produced a disposition20 for sneering21 in the satirical, and for tittering in the giddy, that made her as valuable an acquisition to the company at large, who collect for any amusement, indifferent to its nature, as her fair cousin proved to the admirers of beauty, and her sister to the developers of expression. She was shielded, however, herself, from all undeserved mortifications, by not suspecting any were meant for her, and by a mind delightedly pre-occupied with that sudden expansion of ideas, with which new scenery and new objects charm a youthful imagination.
When they had taken two or three turns up and down the room, the saunterers were called upon to give place to the dancers. Edgar then led out Indiana, and the master of the ceremonies brought Major Cerwood to Camilla.
Eugenia, wholly left out, became the exclusive charge of Miss Margland; she felt no resentment22 of neglect, for she had formed no species of expectation. She looked on with perfect contentment, and the motley and quick changing group afforded her ample entertainment.
Miss Margland was not so passive; she seized the opportunity of inveighing23 very angrily against the mismanagement of Sir Hugh: ‘If you had all,’ she cried, ‘been taken to town, and properly brought out, according to my advice, such a disgrace as this could never have happened; everybody would have known who you were, and then, there is no doubt, you might have had partners enough; however, I heartily24 hope you won’t be asked to dance all the evening, that he may be convinced who was in the right; besides, the more you are tired, the more you may see, against another time, Miss Eugenia, that it is better to listen a little to people’s opinions, when they speak only for your own advantage, than to go on with just the same indifference26, as if you had no proper person to consult with.’
Eugenia was too well amused to heed17 this remonstrance27; and long accustomed to hear the voice of Miss Margland without profit or pleasure, her ear received its sound, but her attention included not its purpose.
Indiana and Camilla, in this public essay, acquitted28 themselves with all the merits, and all the faults common to a first exhibition. The spectators upon such occasions, though never equally observant, are never afterwards so lenient29. Whatever fails is attributed to modesty30, more winning than the utmost success of excellence31. Timidity solicits32 that mercy which pride is most gratified to grant; the blushes of juvenile33 shame atone34 for the deficiencies which cause them; and aukwardness itself, in the unfounded terrors of youth, is perhaps more interesting than grace.
Indiana could with difficulty keep to the figure of the dance, from the exulting35, yet unpractised certainty of attracting all eyes; and Camilla perpetually turned wrong, from the mere36 flutter of fear, which made her expect she should never turn right. Major Cerwood, her partner, with a view to encourage her, was profuse37 in his compliments; but, as new to what she heard as what she performed, she was only the more confused by the double claim to her attention.
Edgar, meanwhile, was most assiduous to aid his fair partner. Miss Margland, though scarcely even superficial in general knowledge, was conversant38 in the practical detail of the hackneyed mode of forming matrimonial engagements; she judged, therefore, rightly, that her pupil would be seen to most advantage, in the distinction of that adulation by which new beholders would stamp new value on her charms. From the time of his first boyish gallantry, on the ill-fated birth-day of Camilla, Indiana had never so much struck young Mandlebert, as while he attended her up the assembly-room. Miss Margland observed this with triumph, and prophesied40 the speediest conclusion to her long and weary sojourn41 at Cleves, in the much wished-for journey to London, with a bride ready made, and an establishment ready formed.
When the two first dances were over, the gentlemen were desired to change partners. Major Cerwood asked the hand of Indiana, and Edgar repaired to Camilla: ‘Do you bear malice42?’ he cried, with a smile, ‘or may I now make the claim that Sir Hugh relinquished43 for me?’
‘O yes,’ answered she, with alacrity45, when informed of the plan of change; ‘and I wish there was any body else, that would dance with me afterwards, instead of that Major.’
‘I dare believe,’ said he, laughing ‘there are many bodies else, who would oblige you, if your declaration were heard. But what has the Major done to you? Has he admired you without knowing how to keep his own counsel?’
‘No, no; only he has treated me like a country simpleton, and made me as many fine speeches, as if he had been talking to Indiana.’
‘You think, then, Indiana would have swallowed flattery with less difficulty?’
‘No, indeed! but I think the same things said to her would no longer have been so extravagant46.’
Edgar, to whom the sun-beams of the mind gave a glow which not all the sparkling rays of the brightest eyes could emit, respected her modesty too highly to combat it, and, dropping the subject, enquired47 what was become of Eugenia.
‘O poor Eugenia!’ cried she, ‘I see nothing of her, and I am very much afraid she has had no better partner all this time than Miss Margland.’
Edgar, turning round, presently discerned her; she was still looking on, with an air of the most perfect composure, examining the various parties, totally without suspicion of the examination she was herself sustaining; while Miss Margland was vainly pouring in her ears observations, or exhortations48, evidently of a complaining nature.
‘There is something truly respectable,’ said Edgar, ‘in the innate49 philosophy with which she bears such neglect.’
‘Yet I wish it were put less to the proof;’ said Camilla. ‘I would give the world somebody would take her out!’
‘You don’t think she would dance?’
‘O yes she would! her lameness50 is no impediment; for she never thinks of it. We all learnt together at Cleves. Dancing gives her a little more exertion52, and therefore a little more fatigue53 than other people, but that is all.’
‘After these two dances then–’
‘Will you be her partner?’ interrupted Camilla, ‘O go to her at once! immediately! and you will give me twenty times more pleasure than I can have in dancing myself.’
She then flew to a form, and eagerly seated herself where she perceived the first vacancy54, to stop any debate, and enforce his consent.
The dance, which had been delayed by a dispute about the tune55, was now beginning. Edgar, looking after her with affected56 reproach, but real admiration, asked the hand of Eugenia; who gave it with readiness and pleasure; for, though contented57 as a spectatress, she experienced an agreeable surprise in becoming a party engaged.
Camilla, happy in her own good humour, now looked at her neighbours; one of which was an elderly lady, who, wholly employed in examining and admiring the performance of her own daughters, saw nothing else in the room. The other was a gentleman, much distinguished by his figure and appearance, and dressed so completely in the extreme of fashion, as more than to border upon foppery. The ease and negligence58 of his air denoted a self-settled superiority to all about him; yet, from time to time, there was an archness in the glance of his eye, that promised, under a deep and wilful59 veil of conceit60 and affectation, a secret disposition to deride61 the very follies62 he was practising. He was now lounging against the wainscoat; with one hand on his side, and the other upon his eye-lids, occupying the space, without using the seat, to the left of Camilla.
Miss Margland, perceiving what she regarded as a fair vacancy, made up to the spot, and saying, ‘Sir, by your leave,’ was preparing to take possession of the place, when the gentleman, as if without seeing her, dropt suddenly into it himself, and, pouring a profusion63 of eau suave64 upon his handkerchief, exclaimed: ‘What a vastly bad room this is for dancing!’
Camilla, concluding herself addressed, turned round to him; but, seeing he was sniffing65 up the eau suave, without looking at her, imagined he meant to speak to Miss Margland.
Miss Margland was of the same opinion, and, with some pique66 at his seizing thus her intended seat, rather sharply answered: ‘Yes, sir, and it’s a vast bad room for not dancing; for if every body would dance that ought, there would be accommodation sufficient for other people.’
‘Incomparably well observed!’ cried he, collecting some bonbons67 from a bonboniere, and swallowing one after another with great rapidity: ‘But won’t you sit down? You must be enormously tired. Let me supplicate68 you to sit down.’
Miss Margland, supposing he meant to make amends69 for his inattention, by delivering up the place, civilly thanked him, and said she should not be sorry, for she had stood a good while.
‘Have you, indeed?’ cried he, sprinkling some jessamine drops upon his hands; ‘how horribly abominable70? Why don’t some of those Mercuries, those Ganymedes, those waiters, I believe you call them, get you a chair?’
Miss Margland, excessively affronted71, turned her back to him; and Camilla made an offer of her own seat; but, as she had been dancing, and would probably dance again, Miss Margland would not let her rise.
‘Shall I call to one of those Barbarians72, those Goths, those Vandals?’ cried the same gentleman, who now was spirting lavender water all about him, with grimaces73 that proclaimed forcibly his opinion of the want of perfume in the room: ‘Do pray let me harangue74 them a little for you upon their inordinate75 want of sensibility.’
Miss Margland deigned76 not any answer; but of that he took no notice, and presently called out, though without raising his voice, ‘Here, Mr. Waiter! Purveyor77, Surveyor, or whatsoever78 other title ”please thine ear,” art thou deaf? why dost not bring this lady a chair? Those people are most amazing hard of hearing! Shall I call again? Waiter, I say!’ still speaking rather lower than louder; ‘Don’t I stun79 you by this shocking vociferation?’
‘Sir, you’re vastly-obliging!’ cried Miss Margland, unable longer to hold silence, yet with a look and manner that would much better have accorded with vastly–impertinent.
She then pursued a waiter herself, and procured80 a chair.
Casting his eyes next upon Camilla, he examined her with much attention. Abashed81, she turned away her head; but not choosing to lose his object, he called it back again, by saying, ‘How is Sir Hugh?’
A good deal surprised, she exclaimed, ‘Do you know my uncle, sir?’
‘Not in the least, ma’am,’ he coolly answered.
Camilla, much wondering, was then forced into conversation with Miss Margland: but, without paying any regard to her surprise, he presently said, ‘It’s most extremely worth your while to take a glance at that inimitably good figure. Is it not exquisite82? Can you suppose any thing beyond it?’
Camilla, looking at the person to whom he pointed83, and who was sufficiently84 ludicrous, from an air of vulgar solemnity, and a dress stiffly new, though completely old-fashioned, felt disposed to join in his laugh, had she not been disconcerted by the mingled85 liberty and oddity of his attack.
‘Sir,’ said Miss Margland, winking86 at her to be silent, though eager to answer in her stead, ‘the mixt company one always meets at these public balls, makes them very unfit for ladies of fashion, for there’s no knowing who one may either dance with or speak to.’
‘Vastly true, ma’am,’ cried he superciliously88 dropping his eyes, not to look at her.
Miss Margland, perceiving this, bridled89 resentfully, and again talked on with Camilla; till another exclamation90 interrupted them. ‘O pray,’ cried he, ‘I do entreat91 you look at that group! Is it not past compare? If ever you held a pencil in your life, I beg and beseech92 you to take a memorandum93 of that tall may-pole. Have you ever seen any thing so excessively delectable94?’
Camilla could not forbear smiling; but Miss Margland, taking all reply upon herself, said: ‘Caricatures, sir, are by no means pleasing for young ladies to be taking, at their first coming out: one does not know who may be next, if once they get into that habit.’
‘Immeasurably well spoken, ma’am,’ returned he; and, rising with a look of disgust, he sauntered to another part of the room.
Miss Margland, extremely provoked, said she was sure he was some Irish fortune-hunter, dressed out in all he was worth; and charged Camilla to take no manner of notice of him.
When the two second dances were over, Edgar, conducting Eugenia to Miss Margland, said to Camilla: ‘Now, at least, if there is not a spell against it, will you dance with me?’
‘And if there is one, too,’ cried she, gaily96; ‘for I am perfectly97 disposed to help breaking it.’
She rose, and they were again going to take their places, when Miss Margland, reproachfully calling after Edgar, demanded what he had done with Miss Lynmere?
At the same moment, led by Major Cerwood, who was paying her in full all the arrears98 of that gallantry Miss Margland had taught her to regret hitherto missing, Indiana joined them; the Major, in making his bow, lamenting99 the rules of the assembly, that compelled him to relinquish44 her hand.
‘Mr. Mandlebert,’ said Miss Margland, ‘you see Miss Lynmere is again disengaged.’
‘Yes, ma’am,’ answered Edgar, drawing Camilla away; ‘and every gentleman in the room will be happy to see it too.’
‘Stop, Miss Camilla!’ cried Miss Margland; ‘I thought, Mr. Mandlebert, Sir Hugh had put Miss Lynmere under your protection?’
‘O it does not signify!’ said Indiana, colouring high with a new raised sense of importance; ‘I don’t at all doubt but one or other of the officers will take care of me.’
Edgar, though somewhat disconcerted, would still have proceeded; but Camilla, alarmed by the frowns of Miss Margland, begged him to lead out her cousin, and, promising100 to be in readiness for the next two dances, glided101 back to her seat. He upbraided102 her in vain; Miss Margland looked pleased, and Indiana was so much piqued103, that he found it necessary to direct all his attention to appeasing104 her, as he led her to join the dance.
A gentleman now, eminently105 distinguished by personal beauty, approached the ladies that remained, and, in the most respectful manner, began conversing106 with Miss Margland; who received his attentions so gratefully, that, when he told her he only waited to see the master of the ceremonies at leisure, in order to have the honour of begging the hand of one of her young ladies, his civilities so conquered all her pride of etiquette107, that she assured him there was no sort of occasion for such a formality, with a person of his appearance and manners; and was bidding Camilla rise, who was innocently preparing to obey, when, to the surprise of them all, he addressed himself to Eugenia.
‘There!’ cried Miss Margland, exultingly108, when they were gone; ‘that gentleman is completely a gentleman. I saw it from the beginning. How different to that impertinent fop that spoke95 to us just now! He has the politeness to take out Miss Eugenia, because he sees plainly nobody else will think of it, except just Mr. Mandlebert, or some such old acquaintance.’
Major Cerwood was now advancing towards Camilla, with that species of smiling and bowing manner, which is the usual precursor109 of an invitation to a fair partner; when the gentleman whom Miss Margland had just called an impertinent fop, with a sudden swing, not to be eluded110, cast himself between the Major and Camilla, as if he had not observed his approach; and spoke to her in a voice so low, that, though she concluded he asked her to dance, she could not distinctly hear a word he said.
A good deal confused, she looked at him for an explanation; while the Major, from her air of attention, supposing himself too late, retreated.
Her new beau then, carelessly seating himself by her side, indolently said: ‘What a heat! I have not the most distant idea how you can bear it!’
Camilla found it impossible to keep her countenance at such a result of a whisper, though she complied with the injunctions of Miss Margland, in avoiding mutual111 discourse112 with a stranger of so showy an appearance.
‘Yet they are dancing on,’ he continued, ‘just as if the Greenland snows were inviting113 their exercise! I should really like to find out what those people are made of. Can you possibly imagine their composition?’
Heedless of receiving no answer, he soon after added: ‘I am vastly glad you don’t like dancing.’
‘Me?’ cried Camilla, surprised out of her caution.
‘Yes; you hold it in antipathy114, don’t you?’
‘No, indeed! far from it.’
‘Don’t you really?’ cried he, starting back; ‘that’s amazingly extraordinary! surprising in the extreme! Will you have the goodness to tell me what you like in it?’
‘Sir,’ interfered115 Miss Margland, ‘there’s nothing but what’s very natural in a young lady’s taking pleasure in an elegant accomplishment116; provided she is secure from any improper117 partner, or company.’
‘Irrefragably just, ma’am!’ answered he; affecting to take a pinch of snuff, and turning his head another way.
Here Lionel, hastily running up to Camilla, whispered, ‘I have made a fine confusion among the red-coats about the heiress of Cleves! I have put them all upon different scents118.’
He was then going back, when a faint laugh from the neighbour of Camilla detained him; ‘Look, I adjure119 you,’ cried he, addressing her, ‘if there’s not that delightful120 creature again, with his bran-new clothes? and they sit upon him so tight, he can’t turn round his vastly droll121 figure, except like a puppet with one jerk for the whole body. He is really an immense treat: I should like of all things in nature, to know who he can be.’
A waiter then passing with a glass of water for a lady, he stopt him in his way, exclaiming: ‘Pray, my extremely good friend, can you tell me who that agreeable person is, that stands there, with the air of a poker122?’
‘Yes, sir,’ answered the man; ‘I know him very well. His name is Dubster. He’s quite a gentleman to my knowledge, and has very good fortunes.’
‘Camilla,’ cried Lionel, ‘will you have him for a partner?’ And, immediately hastening up to him, he said two or three words in a low voice, and skipped back to the dance.
Mr. Dubster then walked up to her, and, with an air conspicuously123 aukward, solemnly said, ‘So you want to dance, ma’am?’
Convinced he had been sent to her by Lionel, but by no means chusing to display herself with a figure distinguished only as a mark for ridicule124; she looked down to conceal125 her ever-ready smiles, and said she had been dancing some time.
‘But if you like to dance again, ma’am,’ said he, ‘I am very ready to oblige you.’
She now saw that this offer had been requested as a favour; and, while half provoked, half diverted, grew embarrassed how to get rid of him, without involving a necessity to refuse afterwards Edgar, and every other; for Miss Margland had informed her of the general rules upon these occasions. She looked, therefore, at that lady for counsel; while her neighbour, sticking his hands in his sides, surveyed him from head to foot, with an expression of such undisguised amusement, that Mr. Dubster, who could not help observing it, cast towards him, from time to time, a look of the most angry surprise.
Miss Margland approving, as well understanding the appeal, now authoritatively127 interfered, saying: ‘Sir, I suppose you know the etiquette in public places?’
‘The what, ma’am?’ cried he, staring.
‘You know, I suppose, sir, that no young lady of any consideration dances with a gentleman that is a stranger to her, without he’s brought to her by the master of the ceremonies?’
‘O as to that, ma’am, I have no objection. I’ll go see for him, if you’ve a mind. It makes no difference to me.’
And away he went.
‘So you really intend dancing with him?’ cried Camilla’s neighbour. “Twill be a vastly good sight. I have not the most remote conception how he will bear the pulling and jostling about. Bend he cannot; but I am immensely afraid he will break. I would give fifty guineas for his portrait. He is indubitably put together without joints128.’
Mr. Dubster now returned, and, with a look of some disturbance129, said to Miss Margland: ‘Ma’am, I don’t know which is the master of the ceremonies. I can’t find him out; for I don’t know as ever I see him.’
‘O pray,’ cried Camilla eagerly, ‘do not take the trouble of looking for him; ’twill answer no purpose.’
‘Why I think so too, ma’am,’ said he, misunderstanding her; ‘for as I don’t know the gentleman myself, he could go no great way towards making us better acquainted with one another: so we may just as well take our skip at once.’
Camilla now looked extremely foolish; and Miss Margland was again preparing an obstacle, when Mr. Dubster started one himself. ‘The worst is,’ cried he, ‘I have lost one of my gloves, and I am sure I had two when I came. I suppose I may have dropt it in the other room. If you shan’t mind it, I’ll dance without it; for I don’t mind those things myself of a straw.’
‘O! sir,’ cried Miss Margland, ‘that’s such a thing as never was heard of. I can’t possibly consent to let Miss Camilla dance in such a manner as that.’
‘Why then, if you like it better, ma’am, I’ll go back and look for it.’
Again Camilla would have declined giving him any trouble; but he seemed persuaded it was only from shyness, and would not listen. ‘Though the worst is,’ he said, ‘you’re losing so much time. However, I’ll give a good hunt; unless, indeed, that gentleman, who is doing nothing himself, except looking on at us all, would be kind enough to lend me his.’
‘I rather fancy, sir,’ cried the gentleman, immediately recovering from a laughing fit, and surveying the requester with supercilious87 contempt; ‘I rather suspect they would not perfectly fit you.’
‘Why then,’ cried he, ‘I think I’ll go and ask Tom Hicks to tend me a pair; for it’s a pity to let the young lady lose her dance for such a small trifle as that.’
Camilla began remonstrating130; but he tranquilly131 walked away.
‘You are superlatively in the good graces of fortune to-night,’ cried her new friend, ‘superlatively to a degree, you may not meet with such an invaluably132 uncommon133 object in twenty lustres.’
‘Certainly,’ said Miss Margland, ‘there’s a great want of regulation at balls, to prevent low people from asking who they will to dance with them. It’s bad enough one can’t keep people one knows nothing of from speaking to one.’
‘Admirably hit off! admirable in the extreme!’ he answered; suddenly twisting himself round, and beginning a whispering conversation with a gentleman on his other side.
Mr. Dubster soon came again, saying, somewhat dolorously134, ‘I have looked high and low for my glove, but I am no nearer. I dare say somebody has picked it up, out of a joke, and put it in their pocket. And as to Tom Hicks, where he can be hid, I can’t tell, unless he has hanged himself; for I can’t find him no more than my glove. However, I’ve got a boy to go and get me a pair; if all the shops a’n’t shut up.’
Camilla, fearing to be involved in a necessity of dancing with him, expressed herself very sorry for this step; but, again misconceiving her motive135, he begged her not to mind it; saying, ‘A pair of gloves here or there is no great matter. All I am concerned for is, putting you off so long from having a little pleasure, for I dare say the boy won’t come till the next two batches136; so if that gentleman that looks so particular at me, has a mind to jig137 it with you a bit himself, in the interim138, I won’t be his hindrance139.’
Receiving no answer, he bent140 his head lower down, and said, in a louder voice, ‘Pray, sir, did you hear me?’
‘Sir, you are ineffably141 good!’ was the reply; without a look, or any further notice.
Much affronted, he said no more, but stood pouting142 and stiff before Camilla, till the second dance was over, and another general separation of partners took place. ‘I thought how it would be, ma’am,’ he then cried; ‘for I know it’s no such easy matter to find shops open at this time of night; for if people’s ‘prentices can’t take a little pleasure by now, they can’t never.’
Tea being at this time ordered, the whole party collected to remove to the next room. Lionel, seeing Mr. Dubster standing126 by Camilla, with a rapturous laugh, cried, ‘Well, sister, have you been dancing?’
Camilla, though laughing too, reproachfully shook her head at him; while Mr. Dubster gravely said, ‘It’s no fault of mine, sir, that the lady’s sitting still; for I come and offered myself to her the moment you told me she wanted a partner; but I happened of the misfortune of losing one of my gloves, and not being able to find Tom Hicks, I’ve been waiting all this while for a boy as has promised to get me a pair; though, I suppose he’s fell down in the dark and broke his skull143, by his not coming. And, indeed, if that elderly lady had not been so particular, I might as well have done without; for, if I had one on, nobody would have been the wiser but that t’other might have been in my pocket.’
This speech, spoken without any ceremony in the hearing of Miss Margland, to the visible and undisguised delight of Lionel, so much enraged144 her, that, hastily calling him aside, she peremptorily145 demanded how he came to bring such a vulgar partner to his sister?
‘Because you took no care to get her a better,’ he answered, heedlessly.
Camilla also began to remonstrate146; but, without hearing her, he courteously147 addressed himself to Mr. Dubster, and told him he was sure Miss Margland and his sister would expect the pleasure of his company to join their party at tea.
Miss Margland frowned in vain; Mr. Dubster bowed, as at a compliment but his due; observing he should then be close at hand for his partner; and they were proceeding148 to the tea-room, when the finer new acquaintance of Camilla called after Mr. Dubster: ‘Pray, my good sir, who may this Signor Thomaso be, that has the honour to stand so high in your good graces?’
‘Mine, sir?’ cried Mr. Dubster; ‘I know no Signor Thomaso, nor Signor nothing else neither: so I don’t know what you mean.’
‘Did not I hear you dilating149, my very good sir, upon a certain Mr. Tom somebody?’
‘What, I suppose then, sir, if the truth be known, you would say Tom Hicks?’
‘Very probably, sir: though I am not of the first accuracy as the gentleman’s nomenclator.’
‘What? don’t you know him, sir? why he’s the head waiter!’
Then, following the rest of the party, he was placed, by the assistance of Lionel, next to Camilla, in utter defiance150 of all the angry glances of Miss Margland, who herself invited the handsome partner of Eugenia to join their group, and reaped some consolation151 in his willing civilities; till the attention of the whole assembly was called, or rather commanded by a new object.
A lady, not young, but still handsome, with an air of fashion easy almost to insolence152, with a complete but becoming undress, with a work-bag hanging on her arm, whence she was carelessly knotting, entered the ball-room alone, and, walking straight through it to the large folding glass doors of the tea-room, there stopt, and took a general survey of the company, with a look that announced a decided153 superiority to all she saw, and a perfect indifference to what opinion she incurred154 in return.
She was immediately joined by all the officers, and several other gentlemen, whose eagerness to shew themselves of her acquaintance marked her for a woman of some consequence; though she took little other notice of them, than that of giving to each some frivolous155 commission; telling one to hold her work-bag; bidding another fetch her a chair; a third, ask for a glass of water; and a fourth, take care of her cloak. She then planted herself just without the folding-doors, declaring there could be no breathing in the smaller apartment, and sent about the gentlemen for various refreshments156; all which she rejected when they arrived, with extreme contempt, and a thousand fantastic grimaces.
The tea-table at which Miss Margland presided being nearest to these folding-doors, she and her party heard, from time to time, most of what was said, especially by the newly arrived lady; who, though she now and then spoke for several minutes in a laughing whisper, to some one she called to her side, uttered most of her remarks, and all her commands quite aloud, with that sort of deliberate ease which belongs to the most determined157 negligence of who heard, or who escaped hearing her, who were pleased, or who were offended.
Camilla and Eugenia were soon wholly engrossed158 by this new personage; and Lionel, seeing her surrounded by the most fashionable men of the assembly, forgot Mr. Dubster and his gloves, in an eagerness to be introduced to her.
Colonel Andover, to whom he applied159, willingly gratified him: ‘Give me leave, Mrs. Arlbery,’ cried he, to the lady, who was then conversing with General Kinsale, ‘to present to you Mr. Tyrold.’
‘For Heaven’s sake don’t speak to me just now,’ cried she; ‘the General is telling me the most interesting thing in the world. Go on, dear General!’
Lionel, who, if guided by his own natural judgment160, would have conceived this to be the height of ill-breeding or of ignorance, no sooner saw Colonel Andover bow in smiling submission161 to her orders, than he concluded himself all in the dark with respect to the last licences of fashion: and, while contentedly162 he waited her leisure for his reception, he ran over in his own mind the triumph with which he should carry to Oxford163 the newest flourish of the bon ton.
In a few minutes, after gaily laughing with the General, she turned suddenly to Colonel Andover, and, striking him on the arm with her fan, exclaimed: ‘Well, now, Colonel, what is it you would say?’
‘Mr. Tyrold,’ he answered, ‘is very ambitious of the honour of being introduced to you.’
‘With all my heart. Which is he?’ And then, nodding to Lionel’s bow, ‘You live, I think,’ she added, ‘in this neighbourhood? By the way, Colonel, how came you never to bring Mr. Tyrold to me before? Mr. Tyrold, I flatter myself you intend to take this very ill.’
Lionel was beginning to express his sense of the loss he had suffered by the delay, when, again, patting the Colonel, ‘Only look, I beg you,’ she cried, ‘at that insupportable Sir Sedley Clarendel! How he sits at his ease there! amusing his ridiculous fancy with every creature he sees. Yet what an elegant posture164 the animal has found out! I make no doubt he would as soon forfeit165 his estate as give up that attitude. I must make him come to me immediately for that very reason;-do go to him, good Andover, and say I want him directly.’
The Colonel obeyed; but not so the gentleman he addressed, who was the new acquaintance of Camilla. He only bowed to the message, and, kissing his hand across the room to the lady, desired the Colonel to tell her he was ineffably tired; but would incontestably have the honour to throw himself at her feet the next morning.
‘O, intolerable!’ cried she, ‘he grows more conceited166 every hour. Yet what an agreeable wretch167 it is! There’s nothing like him. I cannot possibly do without him. Andover, tell him if he does not come this moment he kills me.’
‘And is that a message,’ said General Kinsale, ‘to cure him of being conceited?’
‘O, Heaven forbid, my good General, I should cure him! That would utterly168 spoil him. His conceit is precisely169 what enchants170 me. Rob him of that, and you lose all hold of him.’
‘Is it then necessary to keep him a fop, in order to retain him in your chains?’
‘O, he is not in my chains, I promise you. A fop, my dear General, wears no chains but his own. However, I like to have him, because he is so hard to be got; and I am fond of conversing with him, because he is so ridiculous. Fetch him, therefore, Colonel, without delay.’
This second embassy prevailed; he shrugged171 his shoulders, but arose to follow the Colonel.
‘See, madam, your victory!’ said the General. ‘What would not a military man give for such talents of command?’
‘Ay, but look with what magnificent tardiness172 he obeys orders! There is something quite irresistible173 in his impertinence; ’tis so conscious and so piquant174. I think, General, ’tis a little like my own.’
Sir Sedley now advancing, seized the back of a chair, which he twirled round for a resting place to his elbow, and exclaimed, ‘You know yourself invincible175!’ with an air that shewed him languidly prepared for her reproaches: but, to his own surprise, and that of all around him, she only, with a smile and a nod, cried, ‘How do do?’ and immediately turning wholly away from him, addressed herself to Colonel Andover, desiring him to give her the history of who was in the tea-room.
At this time a young Ensign, who had been engaged at a late dinner in the neighbourhood, stroamed into the ballroom176, with the most visible marks of his unfitness for appearing in it; and, in total ignorance of his own condition, went up to Colonel Andover, and, clapping him upon the back, called out, with a loud oath, ‘Colonel, I hope you have taken care to secure to me the prettiest little young angel in the room? You know with what sincerity177 I despise an old hag.’
The Colonel, with some concern, advised him to retire; but, insensible to his counsel, he uttered oath upon oath, and added, ‘I’m not to be played upon, Colonel. Beauty in a pretty girl is as necessary an ingredient, as honour in a brave soldier; and I could find in my heart to sink down to the bottom of the Channel every fellow without one, and every dear creature without the other.’
Then, in defiance of all remonstrance, he staggered into the tearoom; and, after a short survey, stopt opposite to Indiana, and, swearing aloud she was the handsomest angel he had ever beheld178, begged her hand without further ceremony; assuring her he had broken up the best party that had yet been made for him in the county, merely for the joy of dancing with her.
Indiana, to whom not the smallest doubt of the truth of this assertion occurred; and who, not suspecting he was intoxicated179, thought his manner the most spirited and gallant39 she had ever seen, was readily accepting his offer; when Edgar, who saw her danger, started up, and exclaimed: ‘This lady, sir, is engaged to dance the next two dances with me.’
‘The lady did not tell me so, sir!’ cried the Ensign, firing.
‘Miss Lynmere,’ replied Edgar, coolly, ‘will pardon me, that on this occasion, my memory has an interest to be better than her’s . I believe it is time for us to take our places.’
He then whispered a brief excuse to Camilla, and hurried Indiana to the ballroom.
The Ensign, who knew not that she had danced with him the last time, was obliged to submit; while Indiana, not conjecturing180 the motive that now impelled181 Edgar, was in a yet brighter blaze of beauty, from an exhilarating notion that there was a contest for the honour of her hand.
Camilla, once more disappointed of Edgar, had now no resource against Mr. Dubster, but the non-arrival of the gloves; for he had talked so publicly of waiting for them to dance with her, that every one regarded her as engaged.
No new proposition being made for Eugenia, Miss Margland permitted her again to be led out by the handsome stranger.
When she was gone, Mr. Dubster, who kept constantly close to Camilla, said: ‘They tell me, ma’am, that ugly little body’s a great fortune!’
Camilla very innocently asked who he meant.
‘Why that little lame51 thing, that was here drinking tea with you. Tom Hicks says she’ll have a power of money.’
Camilla, whose sister was deservedly dear to her, looked much displeased182; but Mr. Dubster, not perceiving it, continued: ‘He recommended it to me to dance with her myself, from the first upon that account. But I says to him, says I, I had no notion that a person, who had such a hobble in their gait, would think of such thing as going to dancing. But there I was out, for as to the women, asking your pardon, ma’am, there’s nothing will put ’em off from their pleasure. But, however, for my part, I had no thought of dancing at all, if it had not been for that young gentleman’s asking me; for I’m not over fond of such jiggets, as they’ve no great use in ’em; only I happened to be this way, upon a little matter of business, so I thought I might as well come an see the hop25, as Tom Hicks could contrive183 to get me a ticket.’
This was the sort of discourse with which Camilla was regaled till the two dances were over; and then, begging her to sit still till he came back, he quitted her, to see what he could do about his gloves. Edgar, when he returned with Indiana, addressed himself privately184 to Miss Margland, whom he advised to take the young ladies immediately home; as it would not be possible for him, a second time, to break through the rules of the assembly, and Indiana must, therefore, inevitably185 accept the young Ensign, who already was following and claiming her, and whose condition was obviously improper for the society of ladies.
Miss Margland, extremely pleased with him, for thus protecting her pupil, instantly agreed; and, collecting her three young charges, hastened them down stairs; though the young Ensign, inflamed186 with angry disappointment, uttered the most bitter lamentations at their sudden departure; and though Mr. Dubster, pursuing them to the coach door, called out to Camilla, in a tone of pique and vexation, “Why, what are you going for now, ma’am, when I have just got a new pair of gloves, that I have bought o’ purpose?’
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sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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enumerating
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| v.列举，枚举，数( enumerate的现在分词 ) | |
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splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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witticisms
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| n.妙语，俏皮话( witticism的名词复数 ) | |
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murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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sneering
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| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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inveighing
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| v.猛烈抨击，痛骂，谩骂( inveigh的现在分词 ) | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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hop
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| n.单脚跳，跳跃；vi.单脚跳，跳跃；着手做某事；vt.跳跃，跃过 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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acquitted
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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lenient
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| adj.宽大的，仁慈的 | |
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modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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solicits
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| 恳请 | |
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juvenile
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| n.青少年，少年读物；adj.青少年的，幼稚的 | |
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atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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conversant
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| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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prophesied
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| v.预告，预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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41
sojourn
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| v./n.旅居，寄居；逗留 | |
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42
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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45
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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exhortations
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| n.敦促( exhortation的名词复数 )；极力推荐；（正式的）演讲；（宗教仪式中的）劝诫 | |
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innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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50
lameness
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| n. 跛, 瘸, 残废 | |
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51
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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52
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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vacancy
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| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
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55
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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56
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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negligence
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| n.疏忽，玩忽，粗心大意 | |
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59
wilful
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| adj.任性的，故意的 | |
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conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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61
deride
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| v.嘲弄，愚弄 | |
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62
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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63
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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suave
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| adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的 | |
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65
sniffing
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| n.探查法v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的现在分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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66
pique
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| v.伤害…的自尊心，使生气 n.不满，生气 | |
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67
bonbons
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| n.小糖果( bonbon的名词复数 ) | |
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68
supplicate
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| v.恳求；adv.祈求地，哀求地，恳求地 | |
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amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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70
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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71
affronted
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| adj.被侮辱的，被冒犯的v.勇敢地面对( affront的过去式和过去分词 )；相遇 | |
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72
barbarians
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| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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73
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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74
harangue
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| n.慷慨冗长的训话，言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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75
inordinate
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| adj.无节制的；过度的 | |
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76
deigned
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| v.屈尊，俯就( deign的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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purveyor
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| n.承办商，伙食承办商 | |
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78
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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stun
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| vt.打昏，使昏迷，使震惊，使惊叹 | |
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procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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81
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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82
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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85
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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86
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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supercilious
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| adj.目中无人的，高傲的；adv.高傲地；n.高傲 | |
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superciliously
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| adv.高傲地；傲慢地 | |
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bridled
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| 给…套龙头( bridle的过去式和过去分词 )； 控制； 昂首表示轻蔑（或怨忿等）； 动怒，生气 | |
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exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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91
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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memorandum
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| n.备忘录，便笺 | |
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94
delectable
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| adj.使人愉快的；美味的 | |
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95
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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96
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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arrears
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| n.到期未付之债，拖欠的款项；待做的工作 | |
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lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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100
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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101
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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102
upbraided
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| v.责备，申斥，谴责( upbraid的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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104
appeasing
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的现在分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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105
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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106
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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107
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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108
exultingly
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| 兴高采烈地，得意地 | |
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109
precursor
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| n.先驱者；前辈；前任；预兆；先兆 | |
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110
eluded
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的过去式和过去分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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111
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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112
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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113
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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114
antipathy
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| n.憎恶；反感，引起反感的人或事物 | |
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115
interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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116
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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117
improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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118
scents
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| n.香水( scent的名词复数 )；气味；（动物的）臭迹；（尤指狗的）嗅觉 | |
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119
adjure
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| v.郑重敦促(恳请) | |
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120
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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121
droll
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| adj.古怪的，好笑的 | |
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122
poker
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| n.扑克；vt.烙制 | |
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123
conspicuously
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| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
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124
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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125
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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126
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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127
authoritatively
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| 命令式地，有权威地，可信地 | |
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128
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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129
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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130
remonstrating
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的现在分词 )；告诫 | |
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131
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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132
invaluably
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| adv.无法评价，非常贵重 | |
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133
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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134
dolorously
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| adj. 悲伤的；痛苦的；悲哀的；阴沉的 | |
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135
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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136
batches
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| 一批( batch的名词复数 )； 一炉； （食物、药物等的）一批生产的量； 成批作业 | |
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137
jig
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| n.快步舞（曲）；v.上下晃动；用夹具辅助加工；蹦蹦跳跳 | |
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138
interim
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| adj.暂时的，临时的；n.间歇，过渡期间 | |
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139
hindrance
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| n.妨碍，障碍 | |
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140
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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141
ineffably
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| adv.难以言喻地，因神圣而不容称呼地 | |
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142
pouting
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| v.撅（嘴）( pout的现在分词 ) | |
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143
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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144
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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145
peremptorily
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| adv.紧急地，不容分说地，专横地 | |
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146
remonstrate
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| v.抗议，规劝 | |
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147
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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148
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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149
dilating
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| v.（使某物）扩大，膨胀，张大( dilate的现在分词 ) | |
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150
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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151
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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152
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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153
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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154
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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155
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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156
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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157
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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158
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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159
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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160
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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161
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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162
contentedly
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| adv.心满意足地 | |
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163
Oxford
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| n.牛津（英国城市） | |
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164
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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165
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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166
conceited
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| adj.自负的，骄傲自满的 | |
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167
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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168
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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169
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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170
enchants
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| 使欣喜，使心醉( enchant的第三人称单数 )； 用魔法迷惑 | |
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171
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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172
tardiness
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| n.缓慢；迟延；拖拉 | |
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173
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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174
piquant
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| adj.辛辣的，开胃的，令人兴奋的 | |
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175
invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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176
ballroom
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| n.舞厅 | |
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177
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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178
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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179
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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180
conjecturing
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| v. & n. 推测，臆测 | |
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181
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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182
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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183
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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184
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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185
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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186
inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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