"Really and truly."
"You have only to take it; I assure you it is quite at your service."
At this a shout of laughter went up from the circle of men about.
"What is the jest?" asked Romney, joining the group from which he had been vainly striving to abstract his eyes and interest.
"Why, an offer of marriage from Snow, which Mistress Neville has not yet answered."
Romney showed his vexation by tapping with his foot on the floor and biting his lip.
"Yes," added another, "we are all waiting eagerly to try our own chance."
"I am sorry," said Romney, stiffly, "to cut short your lottery, but my mother has sent me to conduct Mistress Neville to the supper-table, and begs that you gentlemen will find partners."
Peggy, knowing that she was not behaving well, was incensed with Romney for showing that he knew it too.