s eye fixed upon his partner, he made a shift at least to
preserve something of the figure, although he was terribly deficient in
the steps and graces of the dance. But his partner, who was scarcely
less embarrassed than himself, and wished to shorten the exhibition,
after crossing once, presented him with her hand. Harry had
unfortunately not remarked the nature of this manoeuvre with perfect
accuracy, and therefore, imagining that one hand was just as good as the
other, he offered the young lady his left instead of his right hand. At
this incident a universal peal of merriment, which they no longer
laboured to conceal, burst from almost all the company, and Miss
Simmons, wishing at any rate to close the scene, presented her partner
with both her hands, and abruptly finished the dance. The unfortunate
couple then retreated to the lower end of the room, amidst the jests and
sneers of their companions, particularly Mash and Compton, who assumed
unusual importance upon the credit of such a brilliant invention.

When they were seated, Miss Simmons could not help asking Harry, with
some displeasure, why he had thus exposed himself and her, by attempting
what he was totally ignorant of, and added, "that, though there was no
disgrace in not being able to dance, it was very great folly to attempt
it without having learned a single step." "Indeed, madam," answered
Harry, "I never should have thought of trying to do what I knew I was
totally ignorant of; but Master Compton came to me, and told me that you
particularly desired me to dance with you, and led me to the other end
of the room; and I only came to speak to you, and to inform you that I
knew nothing about the matter, for fear you should think me uncivil; and
then the music began to play, and you to dance, so that I had no
opportunity of speaking; and I thought it better to do the best I could
than to stand still, or leave you there." Miss Simmons instantly
recovered her former good-humour, and said, "Well, Harry, we are not
the first, nor shall be the last by hundreds, who have made a ridiculous
figure in a ball-room, without so good an excuse. But I am sorry to see
so malicious a disposition in these young gentlemen, and that all their
knowledge of polite life has not taught them a little better manners."

"Why madam," answered Harry, "since you are so good as to talk to me
upon the subject, I must confess that I have been very much surprised at
many things I have seen