Page:Eliot - Adam Bede, vol. I, 1859.djvu/167

Rh the smart young farmers will take care to secure you."

Hetty smiled and blushed, but before she could answer, Mrs Poyser interposed, scandalised at the mere suggestion that the young squire could be excluded by any meaner partners.

"Indeed, sir, you're very kind to take that notice of her. And I'm sure whenever you're pleased to dance with her, she'll be proud and thankful, if she stood still all the rest o' th' evening."

"O no, no, that would be too cruel to all the other young fellows who can dance. But you will promise me two dances, won't you?" the Captain continued, determined to make Hetty look at him and speak to him.

Hetty dropped the prettiest little curtsy, and stole a half-shy, half-coquettish glance at him as she said,

"Yes, thank you, sir."

"And you must bring all your children, you know, Mrs Poyser; your little Totty, as well as the boys. I want all the youngest children on the estate to be there—all those who will be fine young men and women when I'm a bald old fellow."

"O dear sir, that 'ull be a long time first," said