“All I did I remember was to throw your red cloak at the animal, and that required no great exertion of courage or strength,” answered Harry, smiling. “I then ran off with you, and lifted you over the gate. I can only feel thankful, now you bring the circumstance to my recollection, that I came up at the moment to save you,” answered Harry. “But are you not going to join the dancers?”
“I promised some kind friends with whom I live to avoid mixing with the crowd,” answered May; “and they would especially object to my dancing. Indeed, I confess that I have never danced in my life.”
“Very strange,” said Harry. “Who are they, may I ask?”
“The Miss Pembertons,” answered May. “You surely, Mr Castleton, remember them, and they desired mother and me to express their great wish to see you again.”
“Oh, yes, my good cousins, of course I do. Pray tell them that I will call upon them to-morrow, or the first day I possibly can. I am not surprised that they do not quite approve of dancing; but have they actually prohibited you? We shall form some fresh sets shortly nearer the house, which my sister and other ladies will join, and can you not be tempted to come too? You would have no difficulty, as the figures are not intricate, and you need only move through them as you see others do.”
May smiled, but shook her head.
“No,” she said, “the Miss Pembertons made no exception with respect to those with whom I might dance, and I fear that they would object as much to my dancing in a quiet set as they would to my joining those who are rushing up and down so energetically out there;” and May looked towards the spot where a country dance of rustics was going on, the swains dragging their partners along at no small risk of pulling off their arms, though sometimes the case was reversed, and the damsels were engaged in hauling on their more awkward partners. “I must say that I have no reason to regret not being among them,” she added, with her eyes full of laughter as she watched the vehement movements of the dancers to which she had called Harry’s attention.
“Oh, but we shall move much more quietly in the dance I ask you to join, and I am sure it will suit your taste better,” he said.
Still May declined firmly, though gently. Harry was convinced that she was not to be persuaded. Had he consulted his own inclination he would have stopped and talked to her as long as she remained, but he remembered that he had numerous duties to perform.
“Are you likely to be walking about the grounds, or do you intend to remain where you are?” he asked.