im into a disagreeable train of
thinking, by asking him, with great simplicity, what sort of a figure
these young gentlemen would have made in the army of Leonidas, or these
young ladies upon a desert island, where they would be obliged to shift
for themselves. But Tommy had lately learned that nothing spoils the
face more than intense reflection; and therefore, as he could not easily
resolve the question, he wisely determined to forget it.

And now the important evening of the ball approached; the largest room
in the house was lighted up for the dancers, and all the little company
assembled. Tommy was that day dressed in an unusual style of elegance,
and had submitted, without murmuring, to be under the hands of a
hair-dresser for two hours! But what gave him the greatest satisfaction
of all, was an immense pair of new buckles which Mrs Merton had sent for
on purpose to grace the person of her son.

Several minuets were first danced, to the great admiration of the
company; and, among the rest, Tommy, who had been practising ever since
he had been at home, had the honour of exhibiting with Miss Matilda. He
indeed began with a certain degree of diffidence, but was soon inspired
with a proper degree of confidence by the applauses which resounded on
every side. "What an elegant little creature!" cried one lady. "What a
shape is there!" said a second; "I protest he puts me in mind of Vestris
himself." "Indeed," said a third, "Mrs Merton is a most happy mother to
be possessed of such a son, who wants nothing but an introduction to the
world, to be one of the most elegant creatures in England, and the most
accomplished."

As soon as Tommy had finished his dance, he led his partner to a seat
with a grace that surprised all the company anew, and then, with the
sweetest condescension imaginable, he went from one lady to another, to
receive the praises which they liberally poured out, as if it was the
greatest action in the world to draw one foot behind another, and to
walk on tiptoe.

Harry, in the mean time, had shrouded himself in the most obscure part
of the room, and was silently gazing upon the scene that passed. He knew
that his company would give no pleasure among the elegant figures that
engrossed the foremost seats, and felt not the least inclination for
such an honour. In this situation he was observed by Master Compton,
who, at the same instant, formed a scheme of mortifying Miss Simmons,
whom he did not like, and