When the valse was over, a country dance was called for by Mr. Higgins, who wished to dance with Mrs. Tankard, and led off with her. Almost everybody joined in this lively dance, which was carried on with the greatest spirit, and amid much laughter, for more than half an hour.
The elderly people seemed to enjoy it as much as the young folks, but Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Tankard could not go down a second time.
Monsieur Zephyrus, who was evidently quite captivated by Clotilde, induced her to dance with him, to the great disgust of Tom, who began to feel a little jealous of the gay Frenchman. However, Flora contrived to console him.
Harry Netterville and Rose thoroughly enjoyed the merry country dance, and did not feel in the least fatigued by their exertions.
The company then proceeded to supper; where, we have already explained.
The men-servants of the house, who were intended to wait, went in first. Mr. Higgins gave his arm to Mrs. Tankard, and was followed by Mr. Tankard and Mrs. Tripp, Mr. Larkins and Mrs. Hartley, with the rest of the party.
A very elegant supper greeted them--quite a triumph of skill on the part of Monsieur Zephyrus, who had done his best. Iced champagne and moselle cup were to be had in plenty.
“By Jove!” he cried; “I never saw a nicer supper! Lady Thicknesse must have a capital cook!”
Monsieur Zeyhyrus, who chanced to be near him, smiled.
“Enchanted to find you are pleased with my performance, Monsieur Tom!” he said.”_Your_ performance, Chevalier!” cried Tom. “You don't mean to say you prepared the supper?”
“_Mais oui, mon cher_,” said Zephyrus, proudly. “I, and no one else. Don't you know I am Lady Thicknesse's cook?”
“Give you my word I wasn't aware of it till this moment,” cried Tom. “I was told you are a _cordon bleu_.”
“And so I am,” said Zephyrus. “But don't you understand that a _cordon bleu_ means a first-rate cook?--that's my description.”
For a few moments Tom seemed lost in astonishment. He then exclaimed:
The company did not seem inclined to leave the supper table, and no wonder, considering the excellence of the repast and the abundant supply of champagne.
But Mr. Higgins, who was very careful, thought they had sat long enough, and moved off to the ballroom, where the music again struck up, and dancing recommenced with even more spirit than before.
