ville stood motionless, and Mrs. Mirvan astonished,—he suddenly seized my hand, saying, "Think, my Lord, what must be my reluctance to resign this fair hand to your Lordship!"
In the same instant, Lord Orville took it of him; I coloured violently, and made an effort to recover it. "You do me too much honour, Sir, cried he," (with an air of gallantry, pressing it to his lips ere he let it go) "however, I shall be happy to profit by it, if this lady," (turning to Mrs. Mirvan) "will permit me to seek for her party."
To compel him thus to dance, I could not endure, and eagerly called out, "By no means,—not for the world!—I must beg———"
"Will you honour me, Madam, with your commands," cried my tormentor; "may I seek the lady's party?
"No, Sir," answered I, turning from him.
"What shall be done, my dear," said Mrs. Mirvan?
"Nothing, Ma'am;—any thing, I mean.———"
"But do you dance, or not? you see his Lordship waits."
"I hope not,—I beg that—I would not for the world—I am sure I ought to—to—"
I could
