Only the parish people had been at the feast, but outlying neighbours had now strolled in for a dance.
'They want "Speed the Plough,"' said Bellston, coming up breathless.

'It must be a country dance, I suppose?
Now, Miss Everard, do have pity upon me.

I am supposed to lead off; but really I know no more about speeding the plough than a child just born! Would you take one of the villagers ?--just to start them, my uncle says.

Suppose you take that handsome young farmer over there--I don't know his name, but I dare say you do--and I'll come on with one of the dairyman's daughters as a second couple.' Christine turned in the direction signified, and changed colour--though in the shade nobody noticed it, 'Oh, yes--I know him,' she said coolly.
'He is from near our own place--Mr.Nicholas Long.' 'That's capital--then you can easily make him stand as first couple with you.

Now I must pick up mine.' 'I--I think I'll dance with you, Mr.Bellston,' she said with some trepidation.