Finally, such was her
modesty and self-denial that she industriously informed those whom
it might concern, that she was no less than three years older than
the bride; though had she added ten to the reckoning, she would
have committed no mistake in point of computation.
To contribute as much as lay in her power to the satisfaction of
all present, she in the afternoon regaled them with a tune on the
harpsichord, accompanied with her voice, which, though not the
most melodious in the world, I dare say, would have been equally
at their service could she have vied with Philomel in song; and
as the last effort of her complaisance, when dancing was proposed,
she was prevailed on, at the request of her new sister, to open
the ball in person.
In a word, Mrs. Grizzle was the principal figure in this festival,
and almost eclipsed the bride; who, far from seeming to dispute
the pre-eminence, very wisely allowed her to make the best of
her talents; contenting herself with the lot to which fortune had
already called her and which she imagined would not be the less
desirable if her sister-in-law were detached from the family.
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