No sooner did the orchestra commence--barely having finished the first eight bars of "the Martyrs",--than the guests came rushing up from the coffee-room, like sheep through a hedge, one bolder than the rest leading the way, causing Mrs. Brown to desert her partner in _l'ete_--a figure the gentleman feels bound to execute twice, though he would much rather have been excused either performance; and upon Mrs. Brown's presenting a substitute he became so beside himself as to forget the figure--a mishap rendered none the clearer by a wag's performing _la pastorale_, when he ought to have done _trenise_, and moreover, not have done it in such a facetious manner, as to render it a matter of doubt if he himself could have recognized it; the audacity being accompanied by a certain amount of shyness, that had to be hidden, altogether sadly deranging our amiable youth's comprehension, he being led by his partner, instead of leading _her_--to be left, alone, in a mental pillory, a specimen of blushing mortification more diverting to behold than to experience;--but, upon being kindly treated by his gentle partner, he recovers, in the _galop finale_, feeling truly grateful to the guardian spirit that has conducted him through the purgatory. Ladies, be gentle with youthful bashfulness--it often arises from pure feelings, modest diffidence, or unselfishness;--such, unlike many proficient dancers, carry their brains in their hats, and not in their boots:--weigh your "_fantastic-toes_" against them, and see which are the most empty.