But I will proceed.
After supper, nothing would serve Miss Darnford and Miss Boroughs, but we
must have a dance; and Mr. Peters, who plays a good fiddle, urged it
forward. My dear master, though in a riding-dress, took out Miss
Boroughs.
Sir Simon, for a man of his years, danced well, and took me out; but put
on one of his free jokes, that I was fitter to dance with a younger man;
and he would have it, (though I had not danced since my dear lady's death
to signify, except once or twice to please Mrs. Jervis, and, indeed,
believed all my dancing days over,) that as my master and I were the best
dancers, we should dance once together, before folks, as the odd
gentleman said; and my dear sir was pleased to oblige him: And afterwards
danced with Miss Darnford, who has much more skill and judgment than I;
though they compliment me with an easier shape and air.
We left the company with great difficulty at about eleven, my dear master
having been up all night before, and we being at the greatest distance
from home; though they seemed inclinable not to break up so soon, as they
were neighbours; and the ladies said, They longed to hear what would be
the end of Lady Davers's interview with her brother.
My master said, He feared we must not now think of going next day to
Bedfordshire, as we had intended; and perhaps might see them again.
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