A tucker of
rich Dresden lace softened the contour of the figure. Her head was
without ornament; but around her throat was a necklace of gold clasped
in front with a rich cornelian.
Once, and once only, as they moved towards the repast, did Lawton see a
foot thrust itself from beneath the folds of her robe, and exhibit its
little beauties encased in a slipper of blue silk, clasped close to the
shape by a buckle of brilliants. The trooper caught himself sighing as
he thought, though it was good for nothing in the stirrup, how
enchantingly it would grace a minuet.
As the black appeared on the threshold of the room, making a low
reverence, which has been interpreted for some centuries into "dinner
waits," Mr. Wharton, clad in a dress of drab, bedecked with enormous
buttons, advanced formally to Miss Singleton, and bending his powdered
head nearly to the level of the hand he extended, received hers
in return.
Dr. Sitgreaves offered the same homage to Miss Peyton, and met with
equal favor; the lady first pausing to draw on her gloves.
Colonel Wellmere was honored with a smile from Sarah, while performing a
similar duty; and Frances gave the ends of her taper fingers to Captain
Lawton with maiden bashfulness.
Much time, and some trouble were expended before the whole party were,
to the great joy of Caesar, comfortably arranged around the table, with
proper attention to all points of etiquette and precedence.
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