Time had flown fleetly with Dorothy and Alizon, who, occupied with each other, had taken little note of its progress, and were surprised to find how quickly the hours had gone by.  Meanwhile several dances had been performed; a Morisco, in which all the May-day revellers took part, with the exception of the queen herself, who, notwithstanding the united entreaties of Robin Hood and her gentleman-usher, could not be prevailed upon to join it:  a trenchmore, a sort of long country-dance, extending from top to bottom of the hall, and in which the whole of the rustics stood up:  a galliard, confined to the more important guests, and in which both Alizon and Dorothy were included, the former dancing, of course, with Richard, and the latter with one of her cousins, young Joseph Robinson:  and a jig, quite promiscuous and unexclusive, and not the less merry on that account.  In this way, what with the dances, which were of some duration—­the trenchmore alone occupying more than an hour—­and the necessary breathing-time between them, it was on the stroke of ten without any body being aware of it.  Now this, though a very early hour for a modern party, being about the time when the first guest would arrive, was a very late one even in fashionable assemblages at the period in question, and the guests began to think of retiring, when the brawl, intended to wind up the entertainment, was called.  The highest animation still prevailed throughout the company, for the generous host had taken care that the intervals between the dances should be well filled up with refreshments, and large bowls of spiced wines, with burnt oranges and crabs floating in them, were placed on the side-table, and liberally dispensed to all applicants.  Thus all seemed destined to be brought to a happy conclusion.

Throughout the evening Alizon had been closely watched by Mistress Nutter, who remarked, with feelings akin to jealousy and distrust, the marked predilection exhibited by her for Richard and Dorothy Assheton, as well as her inattention to her own expressed injunctions in remaining constantly near them.  Though secretly displeased by this, she put a calm face upon it, and neither remonstrated by word or look.  Thus Alizon, feeling encouraged in the course she had adopted, and prompted by her inclinations, soon forgot the interdiction she had received.  Mistress Nutter even went so far in her duplicity as to promise Dorothy, that Alizon should pay her an early visit at Middleton—­though inwardly resolving no such visit should ever take place.  However, she now received the proposal very graciously, and made Alizon quite happy in acceding to it.

“I would fain have her go back with me to Middleton when I return,” said Dorothy, “but I fear you would not like to part with your newly-adopted daughter so soon; neither would it be quite fair to rob you of her.  But I shall hold you to your promise of an early visit.”