But she had not engaged herself, and was therefore compelled to accept.
Lest a second Mr Smithson should be trotted up, Maynard hastened to secure Cornelia, and led her off to form “opposite couple.”
Seemingly satisfied with the disposal thus made, Mrs Girdwood retired to a seat.
Her contentment was of short continuance. She had scarce touched the cushion, when she saw coming towards her a gentleman of distinguished appearance, in straw kids. It was his lordship incog.
She started back to her feet, and glanced across the room toward the square that contained her girls. She looked interrogatively, then despairingly. It was too late. The quadrille had commenced. Mr Smithson was doing “right and left” with her daughter. Confound Mr Smithson!
“Aw, madam! How’d do, again? Ball begun, I pawceive; and I’m cut out of the kadwille.”
“It is true, Mr Swinton; you’ve come in a little late, sir.”
“What a baw! I pwesume yaw young ladies are disposed of?”
“Yes; they are dancing over yonder.”
Mrs Girdwood pointed them out. Adjusting his eye-glass, Mr Swinton looked across the room. His eye wandered in search of Mrs Girdwood’s daughter. He did not think of the niece. And his inquiry was directed more to Julia’s partner than herself.