While they launched out in the praise of her, they
expressed their displeasure at the good fortune of her partner,
whom they d--d for a little finical coxcomb, that was too much
engrossed by the contemplation of his own person, to discern or
deserve the favour of his fate. He did not hear, therefore could
not repine at these invectives; but while they imagined he indulged
his vanity, a much more generous passion had taken possession of
his heart.
Instead of that petulance of gaiety for which he had been distinguished
in his public appearance, he now gave manifest signs of confusion
and concern: he danced with an anxiety which impeded his performance,
and blushed to the eyes at every false step he made. Though this
extraordinary agitation was overlooked by the men, it could not
escape the observation of the ladies, who perceived it with equal
surprise and resentment; and when Peregrine led this fair unknown
to her seat, expressed their pique in an affected titter, which
broke from every mouth at the same instant--as if all of them had
been informed by the same spirit.
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