Poor Miss Penge, who was generally
regarded as a brilliant young woman, had been a good deal eclipsed
by Arabella and had seen the necessity of striking out some line
for herself. Then Arabella had whispered a few words to Lord
Rufford, and the lord had whispered a few words to his sister, and
Lady Penwether had explained what was to be done to the ladies
around. Lady Augustus nodded her head and said that it was all
right. The other ladies of course agreed, and partners were
selected within the house party. Lord Rufford stood up with
Arabella and John Morton with Lady Penwether. Mr. Gotobed selected
Miss Penge, and Hampton and Battersby the two Miss Godolphins. They
all took their places with a lugubrious but business-like air, as
aware that they were sacrificing themselves in the performance of a
sad duty. But Morton was not allowed to dance in the same quadrille
with the lady of his affections. Lady Penwether explained to him
that she and her brother had better divide themselves,--for the
good of the company generally,--and therefore he and Arabella were
also divided.
A rumour had reached Lady Penwether of the truth in regard to their
guests from Bragton. Mr. Gotobed had whispered to her that he had
understood that they certainly were engaged; and, even before that,
the names of the two lovers had been wafted to her ears from the
other side of the Atlantic.
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