CHAPTER XXIV.
THE BALL.
The people came of course, but not in such numbers as had been expected.

Many of those in Rufford had heard of the accident, and having been made acquainted with Nokes's report, stayed away.
Everybody was told that supper would be on the table at twelve, and that it was generally understood that the house was to be cleared by two.

Nokes seemed to think that the sufferer would live at least till the morrow, and it was ascertained to a certainty that the music could not affect him.

It was agreed among the party in the house that the ladies staying there should stand up for the first dance or two, as otherwise the strangers would be discouraged and the whole thing would be a failure.

This request was made by Lady Penwether because Miss Penge had said that she thought it impossible for her to dance.
Poor Miss Penge, who was generally regarded as a brilliant young woman, had been a good deal eclipsed by Arabella and had seen the necessity of striking out some line for herself.