"I'm sure any woman need not mind _me_: I am rough, but then a wife mustn't mind those little things, and if I swear, it won't be at _her_. A man swears to make himself understood, and sometimes one swears a little for something to do; but my wife need not mind those trifles, need she, Miss Wetheral?" "That would depend upon circumstances." "But should _you_?" asked Tom. "I never heard you swear, Mr. Pynsent--much--" Tom Pynsent drew himself up with strong approbation and pleased vanity. "Shall we dance again, Miss Wetheral?" "We have danced together twice this evening, Mr. Pynsent." "Well, and what then?" "People will remark," hesitated Anna Maria; "no gentleman dances three times with--that is--I really can't tell." "But if we like to dance together, what is that to any one?" Tom rose and took her hand. "If you will not dance with me, I shall be sure you don't wish it." Anna Maria rose, though reluctantly. "It is not my wish to decline dancing, Mr. Pynsent: I only dislike making myself publicly remarked for breaking established rules." "Never mind rules, Miss Wetheral; we will dance together, in spite of every thing. Who minds what people say, if we like to dance together!" Julia and Lord Ennismore passed at the moment Anna Maria was debating with her partner: Julia smiled. "My dear Anna Maria, the young ladies are complaining of you as a monopoliser; they say you have been keeping Mr. Pynsent from his usual half dozen partners, and there is a combination to vote you out of all ball invitations." "I cannot allow Miss Wetheral to listen to such abominable nonsense," said Tom Pynsent, privately delighted at the idea of being observed; "she has promised to be guided by me this evening, so we are going to dance together for the third time." "Come and stand by us then in the country dance." Julia pressed the hand of her sister with affectionate meaning, which Anna Maria returned, as they proceeded together to the set which was then forming. For an instant they were able to exchange whispers. "Oh, Julia, my heart is tranquil, I am again happy!" "Glad of it, go on, and mind nobody's looks or remarks." In another instant their partners claimed them. "I say, father, just observe cousin Tom," said Miss Wycherly, touching her father's arm; "do look at Tom smiling upon Miss Wetheral, and looking so red-faced and happy. That will be a match, after all; I shall congratulate him." "Let him alone, Pen, let him alone, and congratulate him when he asks for it. Girls will always be poking their noses into matches, and making mischief. Say nothing to Tom, and say nothing to your aunt." "But my aunt will be distracted, father, at the match." "Pooh, pooh, let your aunt and Tom manage their own affairs; they can both take their own parts." "Gads!" cried Miss Wycherly; "Tom is just going to dance with Miss Wetheral the third time, father; the third time, as I am alive, father! Well, that will do for my aunt if she sees it."