|Never before bad a dinner so perfect been served at Ouselcroft. But, in
the opinion of the distinguished _chef_, sufficient justice was not done
to it. He was very particular in his inquiries of Norris and Higgins,
both of whom were in attendance, and discovered that some of his
best dishes had been neglected by the guest for whom he had specially
prepared them.
This was very vexatious, but Zephyrus endeavoured to console himself
by reflecting that Lord Courland was in love, and about to be married,
either of which misfortunes, as he termed them, was sufficient to
account for his lordship's want of appetite.
However, the repast was not wasted, but appeared again in the servants'
hall, where quite as large a party sat down to it as had done in the
dining-room; and it would seem they were far better judges, since
the very _recherché_ dishes that were previously neglected were now
completely devoured.
As it happened to be a lovely moonlight night, and very warm, Mrs.
Calverley took out the whole of the guests upon the lawn, and they had
not been there long when Captain Danvers suggested a dance.
With the drawing-room windows left wide open, it was found that the
piano sounded quite loud enough; Lady Thicknesse, who was a very good
musician, immediately sat down and played a waltz.
Lord Courland and Teresa, with two other couples, were soon footing it
lightly on the smooth turf, and a very agreeable impromptu little dance
was got up.
But this was not all. At the instance of Lord Courland, a servants'
dance was got up at the farther end of the lawn, near the two cedars of
Lebanon already described.
Notice of the proposed dance was given by Norris, at the very moment
when the party in the servants' hall had finished supper.
Nothing could have been more agreeable to Tom Tankard and Zephyrus than
the suggestion. They had heard that dancing was going on in the garden,
and if they could not join it, they at least desired to look on; but
this proposition completely satisfied them.
The main difficulty seemed in regard to the music; but on inquiry it was
found that the footman could play the flute, the coachman the violin,
and the groom the banjo, and, provided with those instruments, they
proceeded to the lawn. When the band struck up, it was found very
efficient, and elicited great applause.
It was decided to commence with a quadrille, and finish with Sir Roger
de Coverley.
As may be supposed, Harry Netterville had already secured a partner in
Rose, but a contest occurred between Tom Tankard and Zephyrus for the
hand of Laura; and the Frenchman proving successful, Tom was obliged to
content himself with Clarissa, the rather smart upper housemaid.
Both the portly Mr. Higgins and the still more portly Mr. Tankard took
part in the quadrille--the one dancing with the cook, and the other with
the second housemaid, Lucy, who was quite as pretty as Clarissa.
Owing to the bright moonlight, the quadrille could be distinctly seen
by the party near the house, and afforded them great amusement. Indeed,
when Zephyrus danced his _cavalier seul_, Lord Courland and Teresa came
forward to witness the performance. Tom Tankard was likewise stimulated
into an extraordinary display by the presence of Mrs. Calverley and the
other ladies.
But Sir Roger de Coverley was the real success of the evening. In this
cheerful dance, form was set aside. Mrs. Calverley led off with Lord
Courland, and danced down the long lines, making Tom Tankard supremely
happy by giving him her hand for a moment. She was followed by
Emmeline and Chetwynd, after whom came Mildred and Captain Danvers. Sir
Bridgnorth induced Lady Thicknesse to walk through a part of the dance
with him, but her ladyship retired long before she got to the bottom.
The dance seemed interminable, and was not brought to a close till long
after the great folks had withdrawn.
Old Norris declared this was the merriest evening he had ever spent at
Ouselcroft since Mr. Chetwynd was christened, and he thought the good
times were coming again.
Before retiring to her own room, Teresa accompanied Lady Thicknesse to
her chamber, and sat with her for five minutes, during which they talked
over the events of the evening--her ladyship being of opinion that
everything had gone off remarkably well; and that, so far as she could
perceive, Lord Courland's affability and good nature had produced a very
good effect upon the establishment.
“I think his idea of a servants' dance on the lawn was excellent,” she
said, “and I am very glad you allowed it. Higgins told me they were all
greatly pleased.”
“It was particularly kind in your ladyship to take part in it,” observed
Mrs. Calverley.
“Well, I haven't danced for many a year, but Sir Bridgnorth seemed so
anxious, I could not refuse him.”
“I was delighted to see that he had prevailed,” remarked Mrs. Calverley,
with a smile. “I think your ladyship will very soon have to consider
whether you are inclined to give him your hand altogether. He is
certainly very devoted.”
“I have a very great regard for Sir Bridgnorth,” said Lady Thicknesse,
“and think him very kind-hearted----”
“And as it seems to me, exactly suited----”
“In some respects, perhaps he is,” said Lady Thicknesse. “At all events,
I don't dislike him.”
“And Charlton is really a very fine place,” remarked Teresa:
“So I'm told,” said Lady Thicknesse. “By-the-bye, I didn't expect to find
Sir Bridgnorth here.”
“I owe the pleasure of his company entirely to your ladyship,” said Mrs.
Calverley. “Had he not expected to meet you, I am certain he would not
have come.”
“You flatter me!” said her ladyship, evidently pleased.
“When I beheld you together on the lawn this evening,” pursued Mrs.
Calverley, “and especially when I saw you together in the dance, I was
rejoiced that the meeting had taken place, as I knew how it must end.
And now, good night, and pleasant dreams!”
Teresa entered her own room in a very lively mood, and continued so as
long as Laura stayed with her, and diverted her with her chat.
The lady's-maid had nothing but what was satisfactory to say of
Lord Courland. He had produced a most agreeable impression upon the
household, and his good-natured deportment in the dance had carried all
the suffrages in his favour.
“Even old Norris is pleased with him,” said Laura; “and if to-morrow
goes off as well as to-day, everybody will be enthusiastic. Do you think
we shall have another dance, ma'am? Monsieur Zephyrus is so anxious to
try the polka with me! I said I'd ask you.”
“We shall see,” replied Mrs. Calverley. “I can't make any promises.
I hope you're not falling in love with Zephyrus, Laura? I thought he
seemed very attentive to you!”
“There was nothing particular about him, I assure you, ma'am,” replied
Laura. “It's his way!”
“But you seemed to encourage him.”
“Well, there's no choice between him and Tom Tankard, and I can't bear
that forward young man. Would you believe it, ma'am, the vain little
fool flatters himself you are struck by his appearance?”
“I think him a most ridiculous object,” said Mrs. Calverley. “But
now, before you go, I have an order to give you, and I wish particular
attention paid to it. Should Mr. Carteret come to-morrow morning, I wish
him to be shown at once to my cabinet.”
“It shall be done, ma'am, depend upon it!” replied Laura, who thereupon
withdrew.