 Book 2, Chapter 2 of Camilla. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Linda Velwest. Camilla or A Picture of Youth by Fannie Bernie. Book 2, Chapter 2. New Characters. The dancing was not yet begun, but the company was met and the sprightly violins were employed to quicken their motions when the cleave's party entered the ballroom. They were distinguished 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 cleaves who now makes her first appearance from the nursery. Though now, upon further thoughts, I will only tell you she is one of our set and leave it to your own ingenuity 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 Marglund, 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 solely to her peculiar charms. Camilla and Eugenia followed rather as if in her train than of her party, but Lionel kept entirely with the officers insisting upon their guessing which was the heiress to whom, while he purposely misled their conjectures, he urged them to make their court by enumerating the present possessions of Sir Hugh and her future expectations. Camilla, however, passed not long unnoticed, though the splendor of Indiana's appearance cast her at first on the background. A circumstance which, by impressing her with a sensation of inferiority, divested her mind of all personal considerations and gave to her air and continents a graceful simplicity, 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 alluring. And thus, as they patrolled the room, Indiana excited an unmixed admiration. Camilla awakened an endless variety of remark while each being seen for the first time and everyone 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 this 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 witticisms upon her face, person, and walk, though not uttered so audibly as to be distinctly heard, ran round the room in a confused murmur and produced a disposition for sneering 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 rement for her and by a mind delightedly preoccupied 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 saunters were called upon to give place to the dancers. Edgar then led out Indiana and the master of the ceremonies brought Major Sirwood to Camilla. Eugenia wholly left out became the exclusive charge of Miss Marguland. She felt no resentment 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 Marguland was not so passive. She seized the opportunity of invading 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 heartily hope you won't be asked to dance all the evening that he may be convinced who is 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 indifference as if you had no proper person to consult with. Eugenia was too well-amused to heed this remonstrance and, long accustomed to hear the voice of Miss Marguland without profit or pleasure, her ear received its sound, but her attention included not its purpose. Indiana and Camilla in this public essay acquitted themselves with all the merits and all the faults common to a first exhibition. The spectators upon such occasion, though never equally observant, are never afterwards so lenient. Whatever fails is attributed to modesty, more winning than the utmost success of excellence. Timidity solicits that mercy which pride is most gratified to grant, the blushes of juvenile shame atone for the deficiencies which cause them, and awkwardness itself in the unfounded terrors of youth perhaps more interesting than grace. Indiana could with difficulty keep to the figure of the dance from the exulting yet unpracticed certainty of attracting all eyes, and Camilla perpetually turned wrong from the mere flutter of fear which made her expect she should never turn right. Major Sirwood, her partner, with a view to encourage her was profuse in his compliments, but as new to what she had heard as what she performed, she was only the more confused by the double claim to her attention. Aitgir meanwhile was most assiduous to aid his fair partner. Miss Margeline, though scarcely even superficial in general knowledge, was conversant 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 birthday of Camilla, Indiana had never so much struck young Mandelbeer as when he attended her up the assembly room. Miss Margeline observed this with triumph and prophesied the speediest conclusion to her long and weary sojourn at Cleves in the much wished-for journey to London with the bride ready-made and an establishment ready-formed. When the two first dances were over, the gentlemen were desired to change partners. Major Sir Wood asked the hand of Indiana and Edgar repaired to Camilla. Do you bear malice, he cried with a smile, or may I now make the claim that Sir Hugh relinquished for me? Oh yes, answered she with alacrity when informed of the plan of change, and I wish there was anybody 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 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? Oh no indeed, but I think the same thing said to her would no longer have been so extravagant. Edgar, to whom the sunbeams 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, which, dropping the subject, inquired what was become of Eugenia. Oh, poor Eugenia, cried she. I see nothing of her, and I am very much afraid she has 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 exhortations evidently of a complaining nature. There is something truly respectable, said Edgar, in the innate 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? Oh, yes she would. Her lameness is no impediment, for she never thinks of it. We all learn together at Cleves. Dancing gives her a little more exertion, and therefore a little more fatigue than other people, but that is all. After these two dances, then, will you be her partner? Interrupted Camilla. Oh, 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 vacancy to stop any debate and enforce his consent. The dance, which had been delayed by a dispute about the tune, was now beginning. Edgar, looking after her with affected reproach but real admiration, asked the hand of Eugenia, who gave it with readiness and pleasure, for though contented as a spectatrice, 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 phoppery. The ease and negligence of his air denoted a self-settled superiority to all about him, yet, from time to time, there was an arch-ness in the glance of his eye that promised, under a deep and willful veil of conceit and affectation, a secret disposition to derive the very follies he was practising. He was now lounging against the winged's coat, with one hand on his side and the other upon his eyelids, occupying the space without using the seat to the left of Camilla. Miss Marglint, 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, dropped suddenly into it himself and pouring a profusion of ooze suave upon his handkerchief exclaimed, What a vastly bad room this is for dancing! Camilla, concluding her self-address to turn round to him, but seeing he was sniffing up the ooze suave without looking at her, imagined he meant to speak to Miss Marglint. Miss Marglint was of the same opinion, and with some peek at his seizing thus her intended seat, rather sharply answered, Yes, Sir, and it's a vast bad room for not dancing, for if everybody would dance that ought, there would be a combination sufficient for other people. Incomparably well observed, cried he, collecting some bonbons from a bonbonnier and swallowing one after another with great rapidity. But won't you sit down? You must be enormously tired. Let me supplicate you to sit down. Miss Marglint, supposing he meant to make amends 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 abominable! Why don't some of those mercaries, those granny-meads, those waiters, I believe you call them, get you a chair? Miss Marglint, excessively affronted, 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 Marglint would not let her rise. Shall I call to one of those barbarians, those goths, those vandals? cried the same gentleman who was now spurting lavender water all about him with grimaces that proclaimed forcibly his opinion of the want of perfume in the room. Do pray, let me harangue them a little for you upon their inordinate want of sensibility. Miss Marglint deigned not any answer, but of that he took no notice and presently called out, without raising his voice, Hear, Mr. Waiter, purveyor, surveyor, or whatsoever other title, please line here, 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 stun you by this shocking rossification? Sir, you're vastly... obliging, cried Miss Marglint, unable longer to hold silence, yet with a look and manner that would much better have accorded with vastly impertinent. She then pursued Waiter herself and procured a chair. Casting his eyes next upon Camilla, he examined her with much attention. Abashed, she turned away her head, but not choosing to lose his object, he called it back again by saying, How is Sir Hill? 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 Marglint, 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 exquisite? Can you suppose anything beyond it? Camilla, looking at the person to whom he pointed, and who was sufficiently 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 mingle liberty and oddity of his attack. Sir, said Miss Marglint, winking at her to be silent, though eager to answer in her stead. The mixed company, which meets at these public halls, 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 superciliously dropping his eyes not to look at her. Miss Marglint, perceiving this, bridled resentfully and again talked on with Camilla till another exclamation interrupted them. Oh, pray, cried he, I do entreat you to look at that group. Is it not past compare? If ever you held a pencil in your life, I beg and beseech you to take a memorandum of that tall maypole. Have you ever seen anything so excessively delectable? Camilla could not forbear smiling, but Miss Marglint, 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 Marglint, 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 Marglint, 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 gaily, for I am perfectly disposed to help breaking it. She rose, and they were again going to take their places when Miss Marglint, reproachfully calling after Edgar, demanded what he had done with Miss Lindmere. At the same moment, led by major Sirwood, who was paying her in full all the arrears of that gallantry Miss Marglint had taught her to regret hitherto missing, Indiana joined them, the major in making his bow, lamenting the rules of the assembly that compelled him to relinquish her hand. Mr. Mandelaire, said Miss Marglint, you see Miss Lindmere 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 Marglint. I thought Mr. Mandelaire, Sir Hugh, had put Miss Lindmere under your protection. Oh, it does not signify, said Indiana, colouring high with a new raised sense of importance. I don't at all doubt, but one or the other of the officers will take care of me. Edgar, though somewhat disconcerted, would still have preceded, but Camilla, alarmed by the frowns of Miss Marglint, begged him to lead out her cousin, and promising to be in readiness for the next two dances, glided back to her seat. He upgraded her in vain. Miss Marglint looked pleased, and Indiana was so much peaked that he found it necessary to direct all his attention to appeasing her as he led her to join the dance. A gentleman now eminently distinguished by personal beauty approached the ladies that remained, and in the most respectful manner began conversing with Miss Marglint, who received his attentions so gratefully that when he told her he only wanted 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 etiquette that she assured him there was no sort of occasion for such a formality with a person of his appearance in 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 Marglint exultingly when they were gone that gentleman is completely a gentleman. I saw it from the beginning. How different to that impertinent fop that spoke 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. Mandelbeer or some such old acquaintance. Major Sirwood was now advancing towards Camilla with that species of smiling and bowing manner which is the usual precursor of an invitation to a fair partner when the gentleman whom Miss Marglint had just called an impertinent fop with a sudden swing not to be eluded 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 bow then carelessly seating himself by her side indolently said, What a hate! I have not the most distant idea how you can bear it. Camilla found it impossible to keep her continence at such a result of a whisper though she complied with the injunctions of Miss Marglint in avoiding mutual discourse with a stranger of so showy an appearance. Yet they're dancing on! he continued just as if the Greenland snows were inviting 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 antipathy 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, interfered Miss Marglint, there's nothing but what's very natural in a young lady's taking pleasure in an elegant accomplishment provided she is secure from any improper 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 redcoats about the heiress of cleaves. I have put them all upon different scents. He was then going back when a faint laugh from the neighbour of Camilla detained him. Look, I adore you! cried he, addressing her. If there's not that delightful creature again with his brand new clothes and they sit upon him so tight he can't turn round his vastly droll figure except like a puppet with one jerk for the whole body. She 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 stopped him in his way, exclaiming Pray, my extremely good friend, can you tell me who that a careerable person is that stands there with the error of a poker? Yes, sir, answered the man. I know him very well. His name is Dubster. He is quite a gentleman to my knowledge of words. 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 error conspicuously awkward solemnly said So you want a dance, ma'am? Convinced he had been sent to her by Lionel but by no means choosing to display herself with a figure only as a mark for ridicule she looked down to conceal 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 Margilland 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 side, 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 Margilland, approving as well as understanding the appeal, now authoritatively 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. Oh, as to that, ma'am, I have no objection. I'll go see for him, if you're amond. It makes no difference to me. And away he went. So, you really intend dancing with him? cried Camilla's neighbour. T'will 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 will give fifty guineas for his portrait. He is indubitably put together without joints. Mr. Dubster now returned and with a look of some disturbance said to Miss Marguland, 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. Oh, pray, cried Camilla eagerly. Do not take the trouble of looking for him, T'will answer no purpose. While 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 Marguland 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 too when I came. I suppose I may have dropped it in the other room, if you shan't mind it, I'll dance without it, for I don't mind these things myself of a straw. Oh, sir, cried Miss Marguland, 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. While 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, and 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 was 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 super I rather suspect they would not perfectly fit you. While 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 so small a truffle as that. Camilla began remonstrating, but he tranquilly walked away. You are superlatively in a good graces of fortune tonight, cried her new friend, superlatively to a degree. You may not meet with such an inviolably uncommon object in twenty lusters. Certainly, said Miss Margeline, 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 around and beginning a whispering conversation with a gentleman on his other side. Mr. Dubster soon came again, saying somewhat deliriously, I have looked high and low for my glove, but I am no nearer. I dare say someone has picked it up out of a joke and put it in their pocket. And as to Tom Hicks, where he can be hit, I can't tell unless he has hanged himself, for I can't find him no more than my glove. However, I got a boy to go and get me a pair if all the shops ain'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 motive, 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 batches. So, if that gentleman that looks so particular at me has a mind to jig it with you a bit himself in the interim, I won't be his hindrance. Receiving no answer, he bent his head lower down and said in a louder voice, Pray sir, did you hear me? Sir, you are ineffably good, was the reply without a look or any further notice. Much affronted, he said no more, but stood pouting 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. T, being at this time ordered, the whole party collected to remove to the next room Lionel, seeing Mr. Dubster standing by Camilla, with a rapturous left, 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 that lady's sitting still, for I come and I offered myself to her the moment you told me she wanted her, 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 skull 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 won on, nobody would have been the wiser but that tother might have been in my pocket. This speech, spoken without any ceremony in the hearing of Miss Marglint to the visible and undiscussed delight of Lytle, so much enraged her that hastily calling him aside, she preemptorily 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 remonstrate, but without hearing her, he courteously addressed himself to Mr. Dubster and told him he was sure Miss Marglint and his sister would expect the pleasure of his company to join their party at tea. Miss Marglint 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 proceeding to the tea room when the finer new acquaintance of Camilla called after Mr. Dubster prayed, my good sir, who may this signored to muscle be that has the honor to stand so high in your good graces? A man, sir, cried Mr. Dubster, I know no signored Thomas so, nor signorn nothing else, neither, so I don't know what you mean. Did I not hear you dilating 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 other defiance of all angry glances Marglind, who herself invited the handsome partner of Eugenia to join their group and read some consolation 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 insolence with a complete but becoming undress, with a work bag hanging on her arm when she was carelessly nodding, entered the ballroom alone, and walking straight through it to the large folding glass doors of the tea room there stopped and took a general survey of the company with a look that announced a decided superiority to all she saw and a perfect indifference to what opinion she occurred in return. She was immediately joined by all the officers and several other gentlemen whose eagerness to shoe themselves of her acquaintance marked her for a woman of some consequence though she took little other notice of them than of giving to each some frivolous commission, telling one to hold her work bag, bidding another to fetch her a chair, a third ask her 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 refreshments all which she rejected when they arrived with extreme contempt and a thousand fantastic grimaces. The tea table at which Miss Margeline 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 someone she called to her side, uttered most of her remarks and all her commands quite allowed with that sort of deliberate ease belongs to the most determined negligence of who heard or who escaped hearing her, who were pleased or who were offended. Camilla and Eugenia were soon wholly engrossed 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 applied, willingly gratified him. Give believe, Mrs. Albury, cried he, to the lady who was then conversing with General Kinsale, to present to you Mr. Tyrold. For heaven's sakes, 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 judgment, would have conceived this to be the height of ill-breeding or of ignorance, no sooner saw Colonel Andover bow in smiling submission to her orders than he concluded himself all in the dark with respect to the last licenses of fashion, and while contentedly he waited her leisure for his reception, he ran over in his own mind the triumph with which he should carry to Oxford the newest flourish of the Bantan. 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, no, 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. Oh, 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, surse-settling clarindale, how he sits at his ease there, amusing his ridiculous fancy with every creature he sees. Yet what an elegant posture the animal has found out. I make no doubt he would assume forfeit his estate as give up that attitude. I must make him come to me immediately for that very reason. Do go to him, good and over, 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. Oh, intolerable, cried she, he grows more conceited every hour. Yet, what an agreeable wretched is. There's nothing like him I cannot possibly do without him. And over, 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? Oh, heaven forbid, my good general, I should cure him. That would utterly spoil him. His conceit is precisely what enchants me. Rob him of that, and you'll lose all hold of him. Is it then necessary to keep him afop in order to retain him in your chains? Oh, he is not in my chains, I promise you. Afop, my dear general, wears no chains, but his own. However, I like to have him, because he is so hard to be caught. And I am fond of conversing with him, because he is so ridiculous. Fetch him, therefore, Colonel, without delay. This second embassy prevailed. He shrugged his shoulders, but arose to follow the Colonel. See, madame, your victory, said the general. What would not a military man give for such talents of command? Ah, but look with what magnificent tardiness he obeys orders. There is something quite irresistible to his impertinence, to his so conscious and so pecan't. I think, general, to his 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 invisible. With an air that shoot him languidly prepared for her reproaches. But to his own surprise, and then of all around him, she only with a smile and a nod cried, How do you 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 house. At this time, a young ensign who had been engaged at a late dinner in the neighborhood, stroamed into the ball room 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 me the prettiest little young angel in the room. You know, with what sincerity, I despise an old hag. The Colonel, with some concerned, advised him to retire. But insensible to his counsel, he uttered oath upon oath and added, I am 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 tea room and, after a short survey, stopped opposite to Indiana and, swearing aloud, she was the handsomest angel he had ever beheld, begged her hand without further money, assuring her he had broken up the best party that had yet been made for him in the country, 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 intoxicated, thought his manner the most spirited and gallant she had ever seen, was readily accepting his offer when Edgar, who saw her danger, started engaged to dance the next two dances with me. The lady did not tell me so, sir, cried the hand sign, firing. Miss Linmir, replied Edgar Cooley, will pardon me that on this occasion my memory has an interest to be better than hers. I believe it is time for us to take our places. He then whispered a brief excuse to her and hurried Indiana to the ballroom. The hand sign, who knew not that she had danced with him the last time, was obliged to submit, while Indiana, not conjecturing the motive that now impelled Edgar, was in a yet brighter blaze of beauty from an exhilarating notion that there was a contest for the honor of her hand. Camilla, once more disappointed of Edgar, had now no level of the gloves, for he had talked so publicly of waiting for them to dance with her that everyone regarded her as engaged. No new proposition being made for Eugenia, Miss Margeline permitted her again to be let 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 is a great fortune. Camilla very innocently asked who he meant. Why, that little lame thing that was here drinking tea with you. Tom Hicks says she'll have a power on money. Camilla, whose sister was deservedly dear to her, looked much displeased. But Mr. Dubster, not perceiving it, continued. He recommended to me to dance with her myself from the first upon that account. But I says to him, says I had no notion that a person who had a hobble in their gate 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 them off from their pleasure. But, however, from 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 jiggits as they've no great use in them. Only I happen to be this way upon a little matter of business, not as welcome and see the hop as Tom Hicks could contrive 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 privately to Miss Marglund, 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, inevitably accept the young ensign who already was following and claiming her and whose condition was obviously improper for the society of ladies. Miss Marglund, extremely pleased with him for thus protecting her pupil, instantly agreed and, collecting her three young charges, hastened them down the stairs, though the young ensign inflamed 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 peak and vexation, Why, what are you going for now, ma'am? When I have just got a new pair of gloves that I have brought o' purpose. In their way home, Edgar apologised to Camilla for again foregoing the premised pleasure of dancing with her by explaining the situation of the ensign. Camilla, internally persuaded that any reason would suffice for such an arrangement, where Indiana was its object, scarcely said to her, that she would not be able to accept the young ensign, and that she would not be able to accept the young ensign, and that she would not be able to accept that Indiana was its object, scarce listened to an excuse which she considered as unnecessary. Indiana was eager to view in the glass how her dress and ornaments had borne the shaking of the dance, and curiously impatient to look anew at a face and a figure of which no self-vanity, nor even the adulation of Miss Markland, had told her a consciousness such as she had acquired from the adventures of this night. She hasn't, therefore, to her apartment as soon as she arrived at Cleves, and there indulged in an examination which forbade all surprise and commended equal justice for the admirers and the admired. Miss Markland, anxious to make her own report to Sir Hugh, accompanied Camilla and Eugenia to his room, where he was still sitting up for them. She expatiated upon the behavior of young Mendelebert in terms that filled the baronet with satisfaction. She exalted in the success of her own measures, and sinking the circumstance of the intended impartiality of Edgar enlarged upon his dancing out of his turn with Indiana as at an event which manifested his serious designs beyond all possibility of mistake. Sir Hugh, in the fullness of his content, promised that when the wedding day arrived they should all have as fine new gowns as the bride herself. The next morning, not considering that everyone else would require unusual repose, he got up before his customary hour from an involuntary hope of accelerating his favorite project. But he had longed the breakfast parlour to himself, and became so fatigued and disconfited by fasting and waiting that when Indiana, who appeared last, but for whom he insisted upon staying, entered the room, he said, My dear, I could really find a pleasure in giving you a little scold if it were not for setting a bad example which God forbid, and indeed it's not so much your fault as the balls to which I can never be a sincere friend unless it be just to answer some particular purpose. Miss Markland defended her pupil and called upon Mendelbert for assistance which he readily gave. Sir Hugh then was not merely appeased but gratified and declared, the next moment, the marked smile at Indiana that his breakfast had not relished so well for a twelfth month owing to the advantage of not beginning till he had gotten appetite. Soon after, Lionel, galloping across the park, hastily dismounted and scampered into the parlour. The zealot for every species of sport, the candidate for every order of whim was the light-hearted, mirthful Lionel. A stranger to reflection and incapable of care laughed at him not merely the bent of his humour but the necessity of his existence. He pursued it at all seasons. He indulged it upon all occasions. With excellent natural parts he trifled away all improvement. Without any ill temper he spared no one's feelings. Yet, though not ridiculously vicious nor deliberately malvolent, the egotism which urged him to make his own amusement his first pursuit sacrificed his best friends and first duties if they stood in its way. Come, my little girls, come!" cried he as he entered the room. Get your hats and cloaks as fast as possible. There is a public breakfast at Northwick and you are all expected without delay. This sudden invitation occasioned a general commotion. Indiana gave an involuntary jump. Camilla and Eugenia looked delighted and Miss Markland seemed ready to second her position. But Sir Hugh with some surprise exclaimed, A public breakfast, my dear boy! Why, where's the need of that when we have got so good a private one? Oh, let us go, let us go, Uncle! cried Indiana. Miss Markland, do pray speak to my uncle to let us go. Indeed, sir, said Miss Markland, it is time now, in all conscience, for the young ladies to see a little more of the world and that it should be known who they are. I am sure they have been immured long enough and I only wish you had been at the ball last night, sir, yourself. Me, Miss Markland, Lord, help me, what should I do at such a thing as that with all this scout in my hip? You would have seen, sir, the fine effects of keeping the young ladies out of society in this manner. Miss Camilla, if I had not prevented it, would have danced with I don't know who and as to Miss Eugenia she was as near as possible to not knowing to nobody's knowing who she was. Sir Hugh had no time to reply to this attack from the urgency of Indiana and the impetuousity of Lionel, who, applying to Camilla, said, come, child, ask my uncle yourself and then we shall go at once. Camilla readily made it her own request. My dear, answered Sir Hugh, I can't be so unnatural to deny your little pleasure knowing you to be such a merry little whirligig, not but what you'd enjoy yourself just as much at home if they had let you alone. However, as Indiana's head is so much turned upon it, for which I beg you won't think the worst of her, Mr. Mendelbert, it being no more than the common fault of a young person no older than her. Why, you must all go, I think, provide that you're not satisfied already, which, by the breakfast you have made, I should think likely enough to be the case. They then eagerly arose and the females hastened to make some change in their dress. Sir Hugh, calling Eugenia back, said, as to you, my little classic, I make but small doubt you will be half ready to break your heart at missing your lesson, knowing Hick, Hague, Hock, to be dearer to you, and for good reasons enough too in the end, than all the hopping and skipping in the world. So if you had rather stay away, don't mind all those dances, for so I must need score them in comparison to you and Dr. Orkborn, though without the least meaning to undervalue them. Eugenia, friendly acknowledged she had been much amused the preceding evening and wished to be again of the party. Why, then, if that's the case, said the Baronet, the best way will be for Dr. Orkborn to be your squire, by which means you may have a little study as you go along, to the end that the last time may be thrown away in doing nothing. Eugenia, who perceived no objection to this matter, assented and went quietly upstairs to prepare for setting out. Sir Hague, by no means connecting the laughter of Lionel, nor the smile of Edgar with his proposal, gravely repeated it to Dr. Orkborn, adding, and if you want a nice pair of gloves doctor, not that I make the offer in any detriment to your own, but I had six new pair come home just before my gout, which I can assure you have never seen the light since, and are as much at your service as if I had bespoke them on purpose. The mirth of Lionel grew now so outrageous that Dr. Orkborn, much offended, walked out of the room without making any answer. There is something, cried Sir Hague after her pose, in this man of learning, prodigious nice to deal with. However, not understanding them in point of the maxims, it's likely enough I may have done something wrong, for he could not have seen much more fronted and told him I had six new pair of gloves lying by me, which he should be never the better for. When they were all ready, Sir Hague calling to Edgar said, now as I don't much trust to have my girls go to these sort of places often, which is a prudence that I dare say you approve as much as myself, I would wish to have the most made of them at once, and therefore as I've no doubt but they'll strike up a dance after having eat what they think proper, why I would do, Mr. Mandelbert, to let Indiana trip it away till she's heartily tired, for else she'll never give it up with a good grace of her own accord. Certainly, sir, answered Edgar, I shall not hurry the ladies, O, as to any of the rest interrupted Sir Hague, there be as soon satisfied as yourself except, lowering his voice, Mrs. Markland, who, between friends, seems to me as glad as one of those freaks as when she was but sixteen, which how long it is since she was no more I can pretend to say, being a point she never mentions. Then, addressing them in general, I wish you a good breakfast, he cried, with all my heart, which I think you pretty well deserve, considering you go so far for it, with one close at your elbow, but just swallowed, and so, my dear Indiana, I hope your one time is to Mandelbert more than can't be avoided. It's time you to engage Indiana again, Mandelbert, cried Lionel, in their way to the carriage, because, said Mrs. Markland, finding he hesitated, there is no other partner so proper for Miss Linmeer. And pray, what's the matter with me, why I'm not I as proper as Mandelbert, because you are her relation, to be sure. Well, cried he, vaulting his horse, if I meet but the widow, I shall care for none of you. CHAPTER IV. A PUBLIC BREAKFAST. The unfitting, however customary, occasion of this speedy repetition of public amusement in the town of Northwick, was that the county ass sizes were now held there, and the arrival of the judges of the land to hear causes which kept life or death suspended was the signal for entertainment to the surrounding neighborhood, a hardening of human feelings against human crimes and human miseries at which reflection revolts, however habit may persevere. The young men who rode on first joined the ladies as they entered the town, and told to drive straight to the ballroom where the company had assembled, in consequence of a shower of rain which had forced them from the public garden intended for the breakfast. Here as they stopped, a poor woman, nearly in rags, with one child by her side and another in her arms, approached the carriage, and presenting a petition to sought the ladies to read or hear her case. Eugenia, with the ready impulse of generous affluent, instantly felt for her purse, the Miss Margland angrily holding her hand said with authority, Miss Eugenia, never encourage beggars. You don't know the mischief you may do by it. Eugenia reluctantly desisted, but made a sign to her footmen to give something for her. Edgar then alighting, advanced to hand them from the coach, while Lionel ran forward to settle their tickets of admittance. The woman now grew more urgent in her supplications and Miss Margland in her arms against attending to them. Indiana, who was placed under the care of Edgar, enchanted to again display herself for sure of again being admired, neither heard nor saw the petitioner, but dimpling and smiling, quickened her motions toward the assembly room. While Camilla, who was last, stopping short, said, What is the matter, poor woman? and took her paper to examine. Miss Margland, snatching it from her, threw it on the ground to really say, Miss Camilla, if once you begin such a thing is that, there will be no end to it. So come along with the rest of your company like other people. She then heartily proceeded, but Camilla, brought up by her admirable parents, never to pass distress without inquiry, nor to refuse giving at all because she could give but little, remained with the poor object and repeated her question. The woman, shedding a torrent of tears, said she was wife to one of the prisoners who was to be tried the next day, and who expected to lose his life or be transported for only one bad action of stealing a leg of mutton. Which, though she knew it to be a sin, was not without excuse being a first offence and committed impoverty and sickness. And this, she was told, the judges would take into consideration, but her husband was now so ill that he could not feed on the jail allowance and not having wherewithal to buy any other, would either die before his trial or be too weak to make known his sad story in his own behalf for want of some wine or some broth to support him in the meanwhile. Camilla, hastily giving her a shilling, took one of her petitions and promising to do all in her power to serve her, left the poor creature almost choked with sobbing joy. She was flying to join her party when she perceived Edgar at her side. To see, cried he with glistening eyes, if you were running away from us, but you were doing far better in not thinking of us at all. Camilla, accustomed from her earliest childhood to attend to the indigent and unhappy, felt neither retreating shame nor parading pride in the office. She gave him the petition of the poor woman and begged he would consider if there was anything that could be done for her husband. The paper from herself, he answered, before you elighted, and I hope I should not have neglected it, but I will now take yours that my memory may run no risk. They then went on to the assembly room. The company, which was numerous, was already seated at breakfast. Indiana and Camilla, now first surveyed by Daylight, again attracted all eyes, but in the simplicity of undress the superiority of Indiana was no longer wholly unrivaled, though the general voice was still strongly in her favour. Indiana was a beauty of so regular a cast that her face had no feature, no look to which criticism could point as susceptible of improvement, or on which admiration could dwell with more delight than on the rest. No statuary could have modelled her form with more exquisite symmetry. No painter have harmonised her complexion with greater brilliancy of colouring. But here ended the liberality of nature, which, in not sullying this fair workmanship by enclosing in it what was bad, contentedly left it vacant of whatever was noble and desirable. The beauty of Camilla, though neither perfect nor regular, had an influence so peculiar on the beholder it was hard to catch its fault, and the cynic connoisseur who might persevere in seeking it, would involuntarily surrender the strict rules of his art to the predominance of his loveliness. Even judgment itself, the coolest and last betrayed of our faculties, she took by surprise. Though it was not till she was absent the seizure was detected. Her disposition was ardent in sincerity, her mind untainted with evil. The reigning and radical defect of her character, an imagination that submitted to no control, proved not any antidote against her attractions. It caught by its force and fire the quick kindling admiration of the lively. It possessed by magnetic perversion, the witchery to create sympathy in the most serious. In their march up the room, Camilla was spoken to by a person from the tea-table, who was distinct from every other by being particularly ill-dressed, and who, though she did not know him, asked her how she did with a familiar look of intimacy. She slightly curtsied, an endeavour to draw her party more nimbly on, when another person, equally conspicuous, though from being accoutred in the opposite extreme of full dress, quitting his seat formally made up to her, and drawing on a stiff pair of new gloves as he spoke, said, So you will come at last, ma'am. I began to think you would not come at all, begging that gentleman's pardon who told me to the contrary last night when I thought, thinks I, here I have bought these new gloves for no reason but to oblige the young lady who I might as well have not bought them at all. Camilla, ready to laugh, yet much provoked this renewed claim from her old persecutor, Mr. Dubster, looked vainly for redress at the mischievous Lionel, who archly answered, Oh, hey, true sister, I told the gentleman last night you would be sure to make him amends this morning for putting him to so much expense. I'm sure, sir, said Mr. Dubster. I did not speak for that. Expense being no great matter to me at this time, only nobody likes to fool away their money for nothing. Edgar, having now at the end of one of the tables secured places for the ladies. Lionel again, in defiance of the frowns of Miss Marglint, invited Mr. Dubster to join them. Even the appealing looks of Camilla served but to increase her brother's ludicrous diversion, in coupling her with so ridiculous a companion, who, without seeing it all aware of the liberty he was taking, engrossed her wholly. So I see, ma'am, he cried, pointing to Eugenia. You've brought that limping little body with you again. Tom Hicks had liked to have took me in finally about her. He thought she was the great fortune of these hair-parts, and if it had not been for the young gentleman, I might have known no better neither, for there's half the room in the same scrape at this minute. Observing Camilla regard him with an unpleasant surprise, he more solemnly added, I ask, pardon, ma'am, for mentioning the thing, which I only do an excuse for what I've said last night, not knowing then you was the fortune yourself. An eager sign of silence from Lionel forbade her explaining this mistake. Mr. Dubster therefore proceeded. When Tom Hicks told me about it, I said at the times, as I, she looks more like to some sort of a humble young person just brought out of a little good nature to see the company in a like of that, for she's not a bit like a lady of fortunes with that nudging look. And I said to Tom Hicks, by way of joke, says I, if I was to think of her, which I don't think I shall, at least she would not be in much in my way, for she could not follow a body much about because of that hitch in her gate, for I'm a pretty good walker. Here the ill-dressed man, who had already spoken to Camilla, quitting his seat, strolled up to her, and fastening his eyes upon her face, though without bowing, made some speech about the weather, with the lounging freedom of manner of a confirmed older acquaintance. His whole appearance had an air of even willful slovenliness. His hair was uncombed, he was in boots which were covered with mud, his coat seemed to have been entirely immersed in powder, and his universal negligence was not only shabby but uncleanly. Astonished and offended by his fordness, Camilla turned entirely away from him, not disconcerted by this distance. He procured a chair upon which he cast himself, perfectly at his ease, immediately behind her. Just as a general breakfast was over, and the waiters were summoned to clear away the tables and prepare the room for dancing, so strikingly made her appearance the preceding evening again entered. She was alone as before, and walked up the room with the same decided air of indifference to all opinion, sometimes knotting with as much diligence and earnestness as if her substance depended upon the rapidity of her work. And another time, stopping short, she applied to her eye a nearsighted glass which hung to her finger, and intently examined some particular personal group. Then with a look of absent, yet not seen a creature, she hummed an opera song to herself and proceeded. Her rouge was remarkably well put on, and her claim to being still a fine woman, though past her prime, was as obvious as it was conscious. Her dress was more fantastic and studied than the night before, in the same proportion as that of every other person present was more simple and quiet. And the commanding air of her countenance and the easiness of her carriage confirmed internal assurance that her charms and her power were absolute, wherever she thought their exertion was her trouble. When she came to the head of the room she turned about, and with her glass surveyed the whole company. Then, smilingly advancing to the sloven whom Camilla was shunning, she called out, Oh, are you there? What rural deity could break your rest so early? None, answered he, rubbing his eyes. I am invulnerably asleep at this very moment in the very centre of the morphetic dominions. But how barbarously late you are! I should never have come to this vastly horrid place before my ride, if I had imagined you could be so excruciating. Struck with a jargon of which she could not suspect two persons to be capable, Camilla turned around to her slided neighbour, and with the greatest surprise recognised upon examination the most brilliant bow of the preceding evening in the worst dressed man of the present morning. The lady now, again holding her glass to her eye, which she directed without scruple towards Camilla and her party said, Who have you got there? Camilla looked tasteily away, and her whole set, abashed by so unseasoned an inquiry cast down their eyes. Hey! cried he, calmly viewing them as if for the first time himself. Why, I'll tell you. Then making her bend to hear his whisper, which nevertheless was by no means intended for her own ear alone, he added, Two little things as pretty as angels, and two others as ugly as— I say no more. Oh! I take in the full force of your metaphor, cried she, laughing, and acknowledged the truth of its contrast. Camilla alone, as they meant, had heard them, and ashamed for herself and provoked to find Eugenia coupled with Miss Margland, she endeavoured to converse with some of her own society, but their attention was entirely engaged by the whispers, nor could she, for more than a minute, deny her own curiosity the pleasure of observing them. Then, in low voices, laughing and moderately at the occasional sallies of each other, Sir Sedley Clarendale, sitting at his ease, Mrs. Arlbury standing, and knotting by his side. The officers, and almost all the bows, began to crowd to this spot, but neither the gentlemen nor the lady interrupted their discourse to return or receive any salutations. Lionel, who with much eagerness had quitted an inside seat at a long table, to pay his court to Mrs. Arlbury, could catch neither her eye nor her ear for his bow or his compliment. Sir Sedley, at last, looking up in her face and smiling, said, and she, shockingly, tired. To death, answered she coolly. Well, then, I'm afraid I must positively do the thing that's old-fashioned. And rising, and making her a very elegant bow, he presented her a seat adding, There, ma'am, I have the honour to give you my chair at the risk of my reputation. I should have thought, cried Lionel, now getting forward, that omitting to give it would rather have risked your reputation. It is possible you could be born before all that was over, said Mrs. Arlbury, dropping carelessly upon the chair as she perceived Lionel, whether or not. How do, Mr. Tyrold, are you just come in? But turning again to Sir Sedley, without waiting for his answer, I swear you bought barian, she cried. You have really almost killed me with fatigue. Have I indeed? said he, smiling. Mr. Debster now, leaning over the table, solemnly said, offer the lady my own place if I had not been so tired myself. But Tom Hicks over persuaded me to dance a bit before you came in, ma'am, addressing Camilla, for you have lost a deal of dancing by coming so late, for they all fell to it as soon as ever they come. And, as I am not over and above used to it, it soon makes one a little diffish, as one may say, but once it's mighty little at one's ease on these here benches, with nothing to lean one's back again. And who's that? cried Mrs. Arlberry to Sir Sedley, looking Mr. Debster full in the face. Sir Sedley made some answer in a whisper, which proved highly entertaining to them both. Mr. Debster, with an air much offended, said to Camilla, people's laughing in whispering, they ought one of the politest things I know for polite people to do. And in my mind, they ought to be above it. This resentment excited Lionel to join in the laugh. And Mr. Debster, with great gravity of manner, rose and said to Camilla, when you are ready to dance, ma'am, I am willing to be your partner, and I shan't engage myself to nobody else. But I shall go to tether into the room till you choose to stand up, for I don't much care to stay here only to be laughed at when I don't know what it's for. They now all left the table, and Lionel eagerly begged permission to introduce his sisters and cousin to Mrs. Arlberry, who readily consented to the proposal. Indiana advanced with pleasure into a circle of bows, whose eyes were most assiduous to welcome her. Camilla, though a little alarmed being presented to a lady of so singular a deportment, had yet a curiosity to see more of her, that willingly seconded her brother's motion. And Eugenia, to whose early reflecting mind every new character, and new scene opened a fresh fund for thought, if not for knowledge, was charmed to take a nearer view of what promised such food for observation. But Miss Margilland began an angry remonstrance against the proceedings of Lionel, and thus taking out of her hands the direction of her charges. What she urged, however, was vain. Lionel was only diverted by her wrath, and the three young ladies, as they had not requested the introduction, did not feel themselves responsible for its taking effect. Lionel led them on. Mrs. Arlberry half rose to return their curtsies, and gave them a reception so full of vivacity and good humor, that they soon forgot the ill will with which Miss Margilland had suffered them to quit her, and even lost all recollection that it belonged to them to return to her. The satisfaction of Indiana, indeed, flowed simply from the glances of admiration which everywhere met her eye. But Eugenia attended to every word and every motion of Mrs. Arlberry with that sort of earnestness which marks an intelligent child at a first play. And Camilla, still more struck by the novelty of this new acquaintance, scarce permitted herself to breathe lest she should lose anything she said. Mrs. Arlberry perceived their youthful wonder, and felt propensity to increase it, which strengthened all her powers and called forth all her faculties, which she possessed at will, and with exertions which rendered it uncommonly brilliant, she displayed it, now to them, now to the gentlemen, with a gaiety so fantastic, Arlberry so arch, a spirit of satire so seasoned with a delight in coquetry, and a certain negligence of air so enlivened by a whimsical pleasantry that she could not have failed to strike with admiration even the most hackneyed seekers of character, much less the inexperienced young creatures now presented to her, who with open eyes and ears regarded her as a phenomenon upon finding that the splendor of her talents equaled the singularity of her manners. When the room was prepared for dancing, Major Sir Wood brought to Indiana Mr. MacDursey the young ensign who had so properly addressed her at the ball, and after a formal apology in his name for what had passed, begged the honour of her hand for him this morning. Indiana, flattered and flattered together by the ceremony, almost forgot Edgar who stood quietly but watchfully aloof, and was actually giving her consent when, meeting his eye, she recollected she was already engaged. Mr. MacDursey hoped for more success another time in Edgar advance to lead his fair partner to her place. Major Sir Wood offered himself to Camilla, but Mr. Dubster coming forward pulled him by the elbow and making a stiff low bow said, Sir, I ask your pardon for taking the liberty of giving you such a jog, but the young ladies been engaged to me ever so long. The Major looked surprised, but observing that Camilla coloured, he bowed respectfully and retreated. Camilla, ashamed of her bow, determined not to dance at all, though she saw with much vexation, upon the general dispersion the Miss Margland approach to claim her. Educated in all the harmony of contentment and benevolence, she had a whore of a temper so irascible that made it a penance to remain a moment in its vicinity. Mr. Dubster, however, was not alone to it. When she positively refused his hand, he said it was equal agreeable to him to have only a little dish of chat with her and composedly stationed himself before her. Eugenia had already been taken out by the handsome stranger with whom she had danced the evening before and Lionel, bewitched with Mrs. Arlberry, enlisted himself entirely in her train and with Sir, sadly, Clarendale and the man of any consequence in the room declined all dancing for the pleasure of attending her. Mr. Dubster, unacquainted with the natural high spirits of Camilla, inferred nothing to his own disadvantage from her silence but talked incessantly himself with perfect complacency. "'Do you know, ma'am?' cried he. "'Just as that elderly lady that I suppose is your mama took you all away in that hurry last night, up comes the boy my new pair of gloves. But, though I run down directly to tell you of it, there was no making the old lady stop, which I was full to try at, for as to women I know their obstinacy of old. But what I grudged the most was, as soon as I come up again as ill luck would have it Tom Hicks finds me my own tether-glove, so that I had two pair when I might as well have had never a one." Observing that Eugenia was dancing "'Lack a day,' he exclaimed. "'All they are wager that poor gentleman has been took in, just as I was yesterday. He thinks that young lady that's had the smallpox so bad is you, ma'am. It would be a fine joke if such a mistake is that she get the little lame duck,' as I call her, a husband. He'd be in a fine hobble when he found he'd got nothing but her ugly face for his bargain. So, provided she'd had the rhino, it would not much have signified, for as to being pretty or not, it's not great matter and a wife. A man soon tires of seeing nothing but the same face, if it's one of the best. Camilla here, in the midst of her chagrin, could not forbear asking him if he was married. "'Yes, ma'am,' answered he calmly, "'I've had two wives to my share already, so I know what I'm speaking of. Though I've buried them both. Why, it was all along of my wives, or what the money I had with one, and what the money I had with the other that I got out of business so soon. You were very much obliged to them then?' "'Well, yes, ma'am, as to that, I can't say to the contrary now that they're gone. But I can't say I had much comfort with them while they lived. They was always a right to what they had in mind because of what they brought me, so that I had enough to do to scrape a little matter together in case about living them. One of them has not been dead above a twelve-month or thereabout. These are the first clothes I've bought since I left off my blacks.' When Indiana passed them he expressed his admiration of her beauty. "'That young lady, ma'am,' he said, "'cuts you all up, sure enough. She's as fine a piece of red and white as ever I see. I could think of such a young lady as that myself, if I did not remember that I felt no more of my wife that was pretty than of my wife that was ugly, after the first month or so. Beauty goes for a mere nothing in matrimony when once one's used to it. Besides, I've no great thoughts at present of entering into the state again of one while, at any rate, being but just got to be a little comfortable. The second dance was now called when Mrs. Arlberry, coming suddenly behind Camilla, said in a low voice, "'Do you know who you are talking about?' "'No, ma'am.' "'A young tinker, my dear, that's all,' and with a provoking nod she retreated. Camilla, half ready to laugh, half to cry, restrained herself with difficulty from running after her, and Mr. Dubster, observing that she abruptly turned away and would listen no more, again claimed her for his partner, and upon her absolute refusal, surprised she walked off in silence. She was then finally condemned to the morose society of Miss Marguant, and invictives against Sir Hugh for mismanagement and Lionel with whom now that lady was at open war for impertinence filled up the rest of her time till the company was informed that refreshments were served in the card-room. Thither immediately everybody flocked, with as much speed and avidity as if they had learnt to appreciate the blessing of want. Such is the vacancy of dissipated pleasure that, never satisfied with what it possesses, an opening always remains for something yet to be tried, and on that something still to come all enjoyment seems to depend. The day beginning now to clear, the sashes of a large bow-window were thrown up. Sir Sedley Clarendale sauntered thither, and instantly everybody followed as they were no breathing anywhere else, declaring while they pressed upon one another almost to suffocation that nothing was so reviving as the fresh air, and in a minute not a creature was to be seen in any other part of the room. Here, in full view, stood sundry hapless relations of the poorer parts of the prisoners to be tried the next morning, who with supplicating hands and eyes implored the compassion of the company whom their very calamities assembled in their imprisonment. Nobody took any notice of them. Nobody appeared even to see them, but one by one all glided gently away, and the bow-window was presently the only empty space in the apartment. Camilla, contented with having already presented her might, and Eugenia, with having given hers in commission, retired unaffectedly with the rest, while Miss Margland, shracking up her words and declaring there was no end of beggars, pompously added. However, we gave before we came in. Presently, a paper was handed about to collect half-ginnies for a raffle. A beautiful locket, set round with pearls, ornamented at the top with a little knot of small brilliance, and very elegantly shaped with a space left for a braid of hair or a cipher was produced, and magnetic power attracted into almost every hand the capricious coin, which distress, but the moment before, had repelled. Miss Margland lamented she had only guineas or silver, but suffered anger to be her paymaster, privately resolving that if she won the locket she would remember the debt. Eugenia, amused in seeing the humor of all that was going forward, readily put in. Indiana, satisfied that her uncle would repay the expenses of the day, with a heart panting from hope of the prize, did the same. But Camilla hung back, totally unused to hazard upon what was unnecessary, the little allowance she had been taught to spin sparingly upon herself, that something might be always in her power to bestow upon others. The character of this raffle was not of that interesting nature which calls forth from the affluent and easy respect of Camilla's aid. The prize belonged to no one whom adversity compelled to change what was once an innocent luxury into the means of subsystems. It was the mere common mode of getting rid of a mere common bubble, which no one had thought worth the full price affixed to it by its toymen. She knew not, however, till now how hard to resist was the contagion of example, and felt a struggle in herself denial, that made her, when she locked it down, withdraw from the crowd and resolve not to look at it again. Edgar, who had observed her, read her secret conflict with an emotion which impelled him to follow her, that he might express his admiration. But he was stopped by Mrs. Arleberry, who just then hastily attacked her with, what have you done with your friend the Tinkham idea? Camilla, laughing, though extremely ashamed, said he knew nothing at all about him. You talked with him, then, by way of experiment, to see how you might like him? No, indeed. I merely answered him when I could not help it. But still I thought, at a ball, gentlemen only would present themselves. And how many couples, said Mrs. Arleberry, smiling, do you calculate would, in that case, stand up? She then ordered one of the bows who attended her to bring her a chair and told another to fetch her the locket. Edgar was again advancing to Camilla, when Lionel, whose desire to obtain the good graces of Mrs. Arleberry, had suggested to him an anticipation of her commands, pushed forward with the locket. Well, really, it is not ugly, cried she, taking it in her hand. Have you put in yet, Miss Tyrold? No, ma'am. Oh, I am vastly glad of that, for now we shall try our fortune together. Camilla, the secretly blushing at what she felt was an extravagance, could not withstand this invitation. She gave her half-genny. Edgar, disappointed, retreated in silence. The money being collected and the names of the raffle-ers taken down, information was given that the prize was to be thrown for in three days' time, at one o'clock at noon, in the shop of a book-seller at Northwick. Some of the company now departed, others prepared for a last dent. Miss Margeline desired Lionel to see for their carriage, but Lionel had no greater joy than to disregard her. Indiana asked earnestly to stay longer. Miss Margeline said she could only give way to her request upon condition that her partner should be Mr. Mandelbeer. It was in vain she urged that she was already engaged to Colonel Andover. Miss Margeline was inexorable and Edgar, laughing, said he should certainly have the whole core upon his back, but the honour was sufficient to counterbalance the risk, and he would therefore beg the Colonel's patience. Mr. Mandelbeer said Miss Margeline, I know enough of quarrels and bulls about partners, and ladies changing their minds to know how to act pretty well in those cases. I shall desire, therefore, to speak to the Colonel myself and not trust two gentlemen together upon such a nice matter. She then beckoned to the Colonel who stood at a little distance, and taking him apart told him she flattered herself he would not be offended if Miss Lindmere should dance again with Mr. Mandelbeer, though rather out of rule there were no reasons for it. The Colonel with a smile said he perceived Mr. Mandelbeer was the happy man, an acquiesced. A general murmur now ran buzzing around the room that Mr. Mandelbeer and Miss Lindmere were publicly contracted to each other, and amongst many who heard with displeasure that the young beauty was betrothed before she was exhibited to view, Mr. Macdersey appeared to suffer the most serious mortification. As soon as this dance was over, Edgar conducted his ladies to an apartment below stairs and went in search of the carriage. He did not return for some time. Miss Marglind, as usual, grumbled. But Camilla, perceiving Mrs. Arlberry, rejoiced in the delay and stationed herself by her side, all alive and attending to the pleasantry with which she was amusing herself and those around her. When Edgar, who seemed out of breath from running, came back, he made but short answers to the murmurs of Miss Marglind, and hastening to Camilla said, I have been with your petitioner. She has all that can comfort her for the present, and I have learnt the name of her husband's counsel. You will be so good as to excuse me at dinner to serve you. I shall remain here till I can judge what may be done. The attention of Camilla was now effectually withdrawn from Mrs. Arlberry, and the purest delight of which she was acceptable took sudden and sole possession of her youthful mind in the idea of being instrumental to the preservation of a fellow creature. Edgar saw in the change, yet brightness of her countenance, what passed within, and his disappointment concerning the raffle was immediately forgotten. A short consultation followed, in which both spoke with so much energy as not only to overpower the remonstrances of Miss Marglind and her departure, but to catch the notice of Mrs. Arlberry, who, coming forward, and leaning her hand on the shoulder of Camilla said, tell me, what is it that has thus animated you? Have you heard any good tidings of your new friend?" Camilla instantly and eagerly related the subject that occupied them, without observing that the whole company around were smiling at her earnestness in a cause of such common distress. You are new, my dear, said Mrs. Arlberry, patting her cheek. Very new. But I take the whim sometimes of being charitable myself for a little variety. It always looks pretty, and begging is no bad way of showing off one's powers. So, give me your documents, and I'll give you my eloquence. Camilla presented her the petition, and she invited Manderbear to dine with her. Targland then led the way, and the female party returned to cleaves. End of Book Two, Chapter Four.