us that the 'Squire was come, with a crowd of company. Upon our
return, we found our landlord, with a couple of under gentlemen
and two young ladies richly drest, whom he introduced as women of
very great distinction and fashion from town. We happened not to
have chairs enough for the whole company; but Mr Thornhill
immediately proposed that every gentleman should sit in a lady's
lap. This I positively objected to, notwithstanding a look of
disapprobation from my wife. Moses was therefore dispatched to
borrow a couple of chairs; and as we were in want of ladies to
make up a set at country dances, the two gentlemen went with him
in quest of a couple of partners. Chairs and partners were soon
provided. The gentlemen returned with my neighbour Flamborough's
rosy daughters, flaunting with red top-knots, but an unlucky
circumstance was not adverted to; though the Miss Flamboroughs
were reckoned the very best dancers in the parish, and understood
the jig and the round-about to perfection; yet they were totally
unacquainted with country dances.' This at first discomposed us:
however, after a little shoving and dragging, they at last went
merrily on. Our music consisted of two fiddles, with a pipe and
tabor. The moon shone bright, Mr Thornhill and my eldest daughter
led up the ball, to the great delight of the spectators; for the
neighbours hearing what was going forward, came flocking about
us. My girl moved with so much grace and vivacity, that my wife
could not avoid discovering the pride of her heart, by assuring
me, that though the little chit did it so cleverly, all the steps
were stolen from herself. The ladies of the town strove hard to
be equally easy, but without success. They swam, sprawled,
languished, and frisked; but all would not do: the gazers indeed
owned that it was fine; but neighbour Flamborough observed, that
Miss Livy's feet seemed as pat to the music as its echo. After