Contrary to her hopes Sergeant-Major Clark plainly did not know that the preparations referred to were for something quite other than his own visit.
The movement of the horse outside, and the impatient tapping of a whip- handle upon the vehicle reminded them that Clark's driver was still in waiting.

The provisions were brought into the house, and the cart dismissed.

Miller, with very little pressure indeed, accepted an invitation to supper, and a few neighbours were induced to come in to make up a cheerful party.
During the laying of the meal, and throughout its continuance, Selina, who sat beside her first intended husband, tried frequently to break the news to him of her engagement to the other--now terminated so suddenly, and so happily for her heart, and her sense of womanly virtue.

But the talk ran entirely upon the late war; and though fortified by half a horn of the strong ale brought by the sergeant-major she decided that she might have a better opportunity when supper was over of revealing the situation to him in private.
Having supped, Clark leaned back at ease in his chair and looked around.
'We used sometimes to have a dance in that other room after supper, Selina dear, I recollect.

We used to clear out all the furniture into this room before beginning.