ring Miss Lucy from that linendraper with
whom she is dancing. I will not stay, General, once for all."

Henrietta ran--she hated her cousin: Cornet Fitch was departing. "Stop,
Fitch," said Sir George, seizing him by the arm. "You are a fool, Lady
Gorgon," said he, "and I repeat it--a ---- fool! This fellow Scully
is carrying all before him: he has talked with everybody, laughed with
everybody--and you, with your infernal airs--a brewer's daughter, by
----, must sit like a queen and not speak to a soul! You've lost me one
seat of my borough, with your infernal pride--fifteen hundred a year,
by Jove!--and you think you will bully me out of another. No, madam, you
SHALL stay, and stay supper too;--and the girls shall dance with every
cursed chimney-sweep and butcher in the room: they shall--confound me!"

Her Ladyship saw that it was necessary to submit; and Mr. Springer, the
master of the ceremonies, was called, and requested to point out
some eligible partners for the young ladies. One went off with a
Whig auctioneer; another figured in a quadrille with a very Liberal
apothecary; and the third, Miss Henrietta, remained.

"Hallo you, sir!" roared the little General to John Perkins, who was
passing by. John turned round and faced him.

"You were dancing with my niece just now--show us your skill now, and
dance with one of my daughters. Stand up, Miss Henrietta Gorgon--Mr.
What's-your-name?"

"My name," said John, with marked and majestic emphasis, "is PERKINS."
And he looked towards Lucy, who dared not look again.

"Miss Gorgon--Mr. Perkins. There, now go and dance."

"Mr. Perkins regrets, madam," said John, making a bow to Miss Henrietta,
"that he is not able to dance this evening. I am this moment obliged to
look to the supper; but you will find, no doubt, some other PERSON who
will have much pleasure."

"Go to ----, sir!" screamed the General, starting up, and shaking his
cane.

"Calm yourself, dearest George," said Lady Gorgon, clinging fondly to
him. Fitch twiddled his moustaches. Miss Henrietta Gorgon stared
with open mouth. The silks of the surrounding dowagers rustled--the
countenances of all looked grave.

"I will follow you, sir, wherever you please; and you may hear of me
whenever you like," said Mr. Perkins, bowing and retiring. He heard
little Lucy sobbing in a corner. He was lost at once--lost in love; he
felt as if he could combat fifty generals! he never was so happy in his
life.

The supper