the Couranto, with its “current traverses,” “sliding passages,” and solemn tune, wherein, according to Sir John Davies—­

          —­“that dancer greatest praise hath won
          Who with best order can all order shun;”

the Lavolta, also delineated by the same knowing hand—­

          “Where arm in arm two dancers are entwined,
          And whirl themselves with strict embracements bound,
          their feet an anapest do sound.”

Is not this very much like a waltz?  Yes, ladies, you have been dancing the lavolta of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries without being aware of it.  But there was another waltz still older, called the Sauteuse, which I suspect answered to your favourite polka.  Then there were brawls, galliards, paspys, sarabands, country-dances of various figures, cushion dances (another dance I long to see revived), kissing dances, and rounds, any of which are better than the objectionable polka.  Thus you will see that there was infinite variety at least at the period under consideration, and that you have rather retrograded than advanced in the saltatory art.  But to return to the ball.

Mistress Nicholas Assheton, I have said, excelled in the graceful accomplishment of dancing, and that was probably the reason why she had been selected for the couranto by Sir Ralph, who knew the value of a good partner.  By many persons she was accounted the handsomest woman in the room, and in dignity of carriage she was certainly unrivalled.  This was precisely what Sir Ralph required, and having executed a few “current traverses and sliding passages” with her, with a gravity and stateliness worthy of Sir Christopher Hatton himself, when graced by the hand of his sovereign mistress, he conducted her, amid the hushed admiration of the beholders, to a seat.  Still the dance continued with unabated spirit; all those engaged in it running up and down, or “turning and winding with unlooked-for change.”  Alizon’s hand had been claimed by Richard Assheton, and next to the stately host and his dignified partner, they came in for the largest share of admiration and attention; and if the untutored girl fell short of the accomplished dame in precision and skill, she made up for the want of them in natural grace and freedom of movement, for the display of which the couranto, with its frequent and impromptu changes, afforded ample opportunity.  Even Sir Ralph was struck with her extreme gracefulness, and pointed her out to Mistress Nicholas, who, unenvying and amiable, joined heartily in his praises.  Overhearing what was said, Mrs. Nutter thought it a fitting opportunity to announce her intention of adopting the young girl; and though Sir Ralph seemed a good deal surprised at the suddenness of the declaration, he raised no objection to the plan; but, on the contrary, applauded it.  But another person, by no means disposed to regard it in an equally favourable light became acquainted with the intelligence at the same time.  This was Master Potts, who instantly set his wits at work to discover its import.  Ever on the alert, his little eyes, sharp as needles, had detected Jennet amongst the rustic company, and he now made his way towards her, resolved, by dint of cross-questioning and otherwise, to extract all the information he possibly could from her.