as that of Sir Roger de Coverley; that it
was one of a large number of English country dances, so called, not
because they were danced in the country, but because their English
ancestors corrupted the French word _contredanse_, which had to do with
the position the dancers assume. Of one thing they could be sure,
however, they owed it to their elders that this charming dance had
survived.[A]

With what charming ease even old Aunt Binie with an aged neighbor went
through the lovely figures of the Virginia Reel, harking back to the
days of powdered wigs, buckled shoes, satin breeches and puffed skirts,
as the head lady and foot gentleman skipped forward to meet each other
in the center of the set. How gracefully she bowed to him and he to her
with hand upon his chest, as they returned to their places!

Then the head lady and foot gentleman skipped forward, made one
revolution, holding right hands.

With dignity and charm they went through the entire dance while those on
the side lines continued to sing with the fiddle:

A penny for a spool of thread,
A penny for a needle.
That's the way the money goes.
Pop! goes the weasel.

Each time on the word "Pop!" the fiddler briskly plucked a string.

There was an interlude of fiddle music without words, then followed
another verse while the dancers stepped the tune:

All around the American flag,
All around the eagle,
The monkey kissed the parson's wife,
Pop! goes the weasel.

This was followed by a lively tune, Vauxhall Dance, with a lusty call
from the fiddler: "Circle eight!"

Whereupon all joined hands, circled to the left and to place.

Head couple out to the right and circle four,
With all your might
Around that couple take a peek!

At this Dan Spotswood peeked at smiling Nellie, almost forgetting to
follow the next figure in his excitement.

Back to the center and swing when you meet,
Around that couple peek once more.

Back to the center and swing all four,
Circle four and cross right o'er.

The dance was moving toward the end.

"Balance all. Allemande left and promenade," the fiddler's voice raised
louder.

There was repetition of calls and figures and a final booming from the
indefatigable caller: "Meet your p