He is growing extremely particular in his attentions." Fanny could listen no farther.

Listening and wondering were all suspended for a time, for Mr.Bertram was in the room again; and though feeling it would be a great honour to be asked by him, she thought it must happen.

He came towards their little circle; but instead of asking her to dance, drew a chair near her, and gave her an account of the present state of a sick horse, and the opinion of the groom, from whom he had just parted.

Fanny found that it was not to be, and in the modesty of her nature immediately felt that she had been unreasonable in expecting it.

When he had told of his horse, he took a newspaper from the table, and looking over it, said in a languid way, "If you want to dance, Fanny, I will stand up with you." With more than equal civility the offer was declined; she did not wish to dance.