In this way, what with the dances, which were of some duration--the trenchmore alone occupying more than an hour--and the necessary breathing-time between them, it was on the stroke of ten without any body being aware of it.

Now this, though a very early hour for a modern party, being about the time when the first guest would arrive, was a very late one even in fashionable assemblages at the period in question, and the guests began to think of retiring, when the brawl, intended to wind up the entertainment, was called.

The highest animation still prevailed throughout the company, for the generous host had taken care that the intervals between the dances should be well filled up with refreshments, and large bowls of spiced wines, with burnt oranges and crabs floating in them, were placed on the side-table, and liberally dispensed to all applicants.

Thus all seemed destined to be brought to a happy conclusion.
Throughout the evening Alizon had been closely watched by Mistress Nutter, who remarked, with feelings akin to jealousy and distrust, the marked predilection exhibited by her for Richard and Dorothy Assheton, as well as her inattention to her own expressed injunctions in remaining constantly near them.

Though secretly displeased by this, she put a calm face upon it, and neither remonstrated by word or look.