Mr. Vyvyan came up at that moment to request the pleasure of dancing with Miss Wycherly. Miss Wycherly kept her glass to her eye, and continued observing the party as she replied, "No, I can't dance with any body now, I'm looking at Tom." Mr. Vyvyan bowed with an offended air and withdrew. "Pen, you were very rude," observed Mr. Wycherly. "Was I?" "Yes, you were; devilish rude." "What did he come worrying me for, when I was watching Tom. Gads! father, Tom is saying something to the purpose now. Miss Wetheral has given him such a look: poor Tom, it's all over with him! Where in the world is aunty Pynsent?--somebody find me aunty--I want of all things to see her fire up!" Sir Charles Spottiswoode begged the honour of Miss Wycherly's hand for the following country dance. "I can't dance with any of you; I am busy looking for my aunt," replied the lady, seating herself. "Let me assist you in your search, Miss Wycherly;" and Mr. Spottiswoode seated himself quietly beside her. Miss Wycherly was amused by the action. "Charles Spottiswoode, you may call this constancy, but I can only consider it tiresome: do go and dance with some lady who has not the objection I have, to being worried. I hate tiresome men!" "I shall not desire to dance with you, but I will not quit this place while you remain here," was the reply. "Men always fancy perseverance will balance their demerits," said Miss Wycherly. "Perseverance will do much," replied Mr. Spottiswoode, "if a lady values attention. Love is only proved by persevering constancy and untired assiduity." "A very fine sentiment, Mr. Spottiswoode; but I can meet you in the field of disputation: I have always heard that 'love' was fearful, patient, and easily discouraged." "_That_ love must emanate from the heart of a poor devil, Miss Wycherly; not such a heart as you would prize." "What do you presume to know of my taste, Mr. Spottiswoode?" "I know that you would despise a creeping, frightened lover, as you dislike your horse for starting upon every application of the whip. You would prefer a decided admirer who bore with your flippancy, and feared not your power. You have such a lover in me, fair Penelope!" "You are very tiresome and disagreeable, Mr. Spottiswoode." "You like me better than you will acknowledge, Miss Wycherly." "If that is all you can amuse me with, we might as well join the dancing," said Miss Wycherly. "But stay, I cannot; I have just declined Mr. Vyvyan." "What is Mr. Vyvyan to you or me? the set is nearly completed, and we shall be too late." Mr. Spottiswoode offered his arm to his fair companion. "No, I shall not dance to-night," said the capricious lady, rising and reseating herself. "My mind is changed." "So is mine; I am going to flirt a little with Lady Anna Herbert. Chatting is far more agreeable than dancing, in a heated room. Lady Anna has smiled good-naturedly twice. I am glad you had the good taste to decline."