d and his commission in a dragoon regiment, was the second
partner who was honoured with Miss Bell's hand. He was rapt in
admiration of that young lady. He thought he had never seen so charming
a creature. "I like you much better than the French girl" (for this
young gentleman had been dancing with Miss Amory before), he candidly
said to her. Laura laughed, and looked more good-humoured than ever;
and in the midst of her laughter caught a sight of Pen, and continued to
laugh as he, on his side, continued to look absurdly pompous and sulky.
The next dance was a waltz, and young Fogey thought, with a sigh, that
he did not know how to waltz, and vowed he would have a master the next
holidays.

Mr. Pynsent again claimed Miss Bell's hand for this dance; and Pen
beheld her, in a fury, twirling round the room, her waist encircled by
the arm of that gentleman. He never used to be angry before when, on
summer evenings, the chairs and tables being removed, and the governess
called downstairs to play the piano, he and the Chevalier Strong (who
was a splendid performer, and could dance a British hornpipe, a German
waltz, or a Spanish fandango, if need were), and the two young ladies,
Blanche and Laura, improvised little balls at Clavering Park. Laura
enjoyed this dancing so much, and was so animated, that she even
animated Mr. Pynsent. Blanche, who could dance beautifully, had an
unlucky partner, Captain Broadfoot, of the Dragoons, then stationed at
Chatteris. For Captain Broadfoot, though devoting himself with great
energy to the object in view, could not get round in time: and, not
having the least ear for music, was unaware that his movements were too
slow.

So, in the waltz as in the quadrille, Miss Blanche saw that her dear
friend Laura had the honours of the dance, and was by no means pleased
with the latter's success. After a couple of turns with the heavy
dragoon, she pleaded fatigue, and requested to be led back to her place,
near her mamma, to whom Pen was talking; and she asked him why he had
not asked her to waltz, and had left her for the mercies of that great
odious man in spurs and a red coat?

"I thought spurs and scarlet were the most fascinating objects in the
world to young ladies," Pen answered. "I never should have dared to put
my black coat in competition with that splendid red jacket."

"You are very unkind and cruel and sulky and naughty," said Miss Amory,
with another shrug of the shoulders. "You had be