"Then answer me one simple question in truth and sincerity, or I am gone for ever, Penelope Wycherly."
"Gads! how you plague one! Well, what is it?"
"I will know whether you mean to accept me after all this flippancy. If you do not intend it, say so; but I demand a reply."
"Then you wish to flirt with Lady Anna, Mr. Charles, and you think
"'It is good to be off with the old love,
Before you be on with the new.'"
"You have not answered me," returned Mr. Spottiswoode, seriously; "answer me, as you hope yourself to be fairly treated."
"I vow I don't know what I mean; it is very difficult to make one's choice among such a variety of Lords of the creation. I have not been introduced to Mr. Jones yet. I can't say I admire Tom's friend."
"I am answered, Miss Wycherly; I wish you good night." Mr. Spottiswoode turned from the coquette, and walked up the dancing-room, without attending to Miss Wycherly's recall. The lady became alarmed. Was Mr. Spottiswoode's movement really intentional, or was he showing her how indifferently he could take leave, to compel her into acceptance? There he was positively talking to Lady Anna Herbert, and looking perfectly composed. Lady Anna was a notorious flirt, but she should not entrap Charles Spottiswoode! Miss Wycherly was not accustomed to be treated with nonchalance; and that Mr. Spottiswoode, her lover of long standing, should summon courage enough to stand upon the defensive against her coquetry, piqued her to the soul. She sought Julia, who was dancing with Lord Ennismore.
"Miss Wycherly unattended!" cried Mr. Henry Tyndal, as he met her on her way to the dancers, "take my arm."
"Be quiet," said the lady, passing on with her glass raised to her eye, "do be quiet."