Mistress Nutter replied by a bland smile, and then observed to Alizon that it was time for them to retire, and that she had stayed on her account far later than she intended—­a mark of consideration duly appreciated by Alizon.  Farewells for the night were then exchanged between the two girls, and Alizon looked round to bid adieu to Richard, but unfortunately, at this very juncture, he was engaged in pursuit of Nicholas.  Before quitting the hall she made inquiries after Jennet, and receiving for answer that she was still in the hall, but had fallen asleep in a chair at one corner of the side-table, and could not be wakened, she instantly flew thither and tried to rouse her, but in vain; when Mistress Nutter, coming up the next moment, merely touched her brow, and the little girl opened her eyes and gazed about her with a bewildered look.

“She is unused to these late hours, poor child,” said Alizon.  “Some one must be found to take her home.”

“You need not go far in search of a convoy,” said Potts, who had been hovering about, and now stepped up; “I am going to the Dragon myself, and shall be happy to take charge of her.”

“You are over-officious, sir,” rejoined Mistress Nutter, coldly; “when we need your assistance we will ask it.  My own servant, Simon Blackadder, will see her safely home.”

And at a sign from her, a tall fellow with a dark, scowling countenance, came from among the other serving-men, and, receiving his instructions from his mistress, seized Jennet’s hand, and strode off with her.  During all this time, Mistress Nutter kept her eyes steadily fixed on the little girl, who spoke not a word, nor replied even by a gesture to Alizon’s affectionate good-night, retaining her dazed look to the moment of quitting the hall.

“I never saw her thus before,” said Alizon.  “What can be the matter with her?”

“I think I could tell you,” rejoined Potts, glancing maliciously and significantly at Mistress Nutter.

The lady darted an ireful and piercing look at him, which seemed to produce much the same consequences as those experienced by Jennet, for his visage instantly elongated, and he sank back in a chair.

“Oh dear!” he cried, putting his hand to his head; “I’m struck all of a heap.  I feel a sudden qualm—­a giddiness—­a sort of don’t-know-howishness.  Ho, there! some aquavitae—­or imperial water—­or cinnamon water—­or whatever reviving cordial may be at hand.  I feel very ill—­very ill, indeed—­oh dear!”

While his requirements were attended to, Mistress Nutter moved away with her daughter; but they had not proceeded far when they encountered Richard, who, having fortunately descried them, came up to say good-night.

The brawl, meanwhile, had commenced, and the dancers were whirling round giddily in every direction, somewhat like the couples in a grand polka, danced after a very boisterous, romping, and extravagant fashion.