Jacob was her father's choice for her, as everybody knew; and it was no wonder that Buckstone Bradford looked cheerful and contented as he leaned against the wall with folded arms, watching the dancers.
Yes, Buckstone was contented for the moment; things were going just as he wished to see them; and yet--so ungrateful a creature is man--he could not help suspecting even his own satisfaction. What made Nan so happy? When had anyone seen her look like this before when she had to dance with Jacob Flynt? Was this duty or--or what?
The "Lady of the Lake" was followed by the "Portland Fancy;" that by the splendid romp of the "Tempest."
Ah! these were dances! Happy the neighbourhood where the real dances, the wreathing, linked garlands of grace and lightness and youth, still form part of a ball! The waltz is pretty enough, when well done; but who has not tired of the endless whirl of revolving couples, dual teetotums, spinning round and round, till sight and brain are dizzy alike? You shall not find, in painting or sculpture, any showing forth of waltz or polka as Nature's expression of joy and motion. But what Greek vase or tablet, what glowing canvas of Giorgione, or Veronese, but might be glad to catch the rhythmic swing of the "Tempest," as the long line wavers to and fro, and the bold dancers in the middle sweep down the hall and back again,--to catch and fix it in immortal lines of carving or of colour?
"Gents choose partners for 'Pop goes the Weasel!'"
There had been an intermission, during which the hall had hummed like a hive of vari-coloured bees. People were thoroughly at ease now, and speech flowed freely, as the couples promenaded up and down.
"A festive occasion, truly, Mr. Bumpus!" said Miss Selina Leaf, with gentle dignity.
"Bustin'! bustin'!" replied Mr. Bumpus, with effusion. "Haven't seen such goin's on in the village, _I_ d'no when! Does a person good to limber out the j'ints once in a while; dancin's better than bar's grease any day in the week! Haw! haw!"
Miss Selina considered this remark vulgar, and bridled gently, but made no reply.
"Surprisin' thing, too," Mr. Bumpus went on. "Bethesdy Pool--now, you'd ha' said her dancin' days were over, if anyone had ha' asked you, wouldn't you,--same as yours and mine?"