Mr.Tupman looked inquisitively in his face.

'I'll dance with the widow,' said the stranger.
'Who is she ?' inquired Mr.Tupman.
'Don't know--never saw her in all my life--cut out the doctor--here goes.' And the stranger forthwith crossed the room; and, leaning against a mantel-piece, commenced gazing with an air of respectful and melancholy admiration on the fat countenance of the little old lady.

Mr.
Tupman looked on, in mute astonishment.

The stranger progressed rapidly; the little doctor danced with another lady; the widow dropped her fan; the stranger picked it up, and presented it--a smile--a bow--a curtsey--a few words of conversation.

The stranger walked boldly up to, and returned with, the master of the ceremonies; a little introductory pantomime; and the stranger and Mrs.Budger took their places in a quadrille.
The surprise of Mr.Tupman at this summary proceeding, great as it was, was immeasurably exceeded by the astonishment of the doctor.