, his thoughts were
gloomy, and his courtship was like the pawings of an elephant. It appeared as if
his temper had been more human while he indulged it in its free bent, than now
that he sullenly endeavoured to put fetters upon its excesses.
    Among the ladies of the village assembly already mentioned there was none
that seemed to engage more of the kindness of Mr. Tyrrel than miss Hardingham.
She was also one of the few that had not yet gone over to the enemy, either
because she really preferred the gentleman who was her oldest acquaintance, or
that she conceived from calculation this conduct best adapted to insure her
success in a husband. One day however she thought proper, probably only by way
of experiment, to show Mr. Tyrrel that she could engage in hostilities, if he
should at any time give her sufficient provocation. She so adjusted her
manoeuvres as to be engaged by Mr. Falkland as his partner for the dance of the
evening, though without the smallest intention on the part of that gentleman,
who was unpardonably deficient in the sciences of anecdote and match-making, of
giving offence to his country neighbour. Though the manners of Mr. Falkland were
condescending and attentive, his hours of retirement were principally occupied
in contemplations too dignified for scandal, and too large for the altercations
of a vestry, or the politics of an election-borough.
    A short time before the dances began, Mr. Tyrrel went up to his fair
inamorata, and entered into some trifling conversation with her to fill up the
time, as intending in a few minutes to lead her forward to the field. He had
accustomed himself to neglect the ceremony of soliciting beforehand a promise in
his favour, as not supposing it possible that any one should dare dispute his
behests; and, had it been otherwise, he would have thought the formality
unnecessary in this case, his general preference to miss Hardingham being
notorious.
    While he was thus engaged, Mr. Falkland came up. Mr. Tyrrel always regarded
him with aversion and loathing. Mr. Falkland however slided in a graceful and
unaffected manner into the conversation already begun, and the animated
ingenuousness of his manner was such, as might for the time have disarmed the
devil of his malice. Mr. Tyrrel probably conceived that his accosting miss
Hardingham was an accidental piece of general ceremony, and expected every
moment when he would withdraw to another part of the room.
    The company now began to be in motion for the dance, and Mr. Falkland
signified as much to miss Hardingham. - Sir, interrupted Mr. Tyrrel abruptly,
that lady is my