It was untoward; but in
the course of the evening she was a little comforted by a proposal
from Lady Rotherwood to take her and Lilias to a ball at Raynham,
which was to take place in January; and as soon as the gentlemen
appeared, they submitted the invitation to their father, while Lady
Rotherwood pressed William to accompany them, and he was refusing.
'What are soldiers intended for but to dance!' said Lord Rotherwood.
'I never dance,' said William, with a grave emphasis.
'I am out of the scrape,' said the Marquis. 'I shall be gone before
it takes place; I reserve all my dancing for July 30th. Well, young
ladies, is the Baron propitious?'
'He says he will consider of it,' said Emily.
'Oh then, he will let you go,' said Florence, 'people never consider
when they mean no.'
'No, Florence,' said her brother, 'Uncle Mohun's "consider of it" is
equivalent to Le Roi's "avisera."'
'What is he saying?' asked Lily, turning to listen. 'Oh, that my wig
is in no ball-going condition.'
'A wreath would hide all deficiencies,' said Florence; 'I am
determined to have you both.'
'I give small hopes of both,' said Claude; 'you will only have
Emily.
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