The stranger crossed the room; and, leaning against a mantelpiece, began to look with respectful yet rather sad admiration at the fat face of the little old lady. Mr Tupman watched in mute astonishment at the stranger's rapid progress. The little doctor danced with another lady; the widow dropped her fan; the stranger picked it up, and gave it back. They smiled, she responded to his bow. They exchanged a few words of conversation. The stranger walked boldly up to the master of the ceremonies; returned to the widow with him, and the two were introduced. Moments later, they were dancing together.

Though Mr Tupman was greatly surprised by the speed at which this all happened, the doctor was even more astonished. The stranger was young, and the widow was pleased by his attention. The widow paid no attention to the doctor; and the doctor's indignation was completely and calmly ignored by his rival. Doctor Slammer was paralysed. He, Doctor Slammer, of the 97th, had been made to look silly by a man whom nobody had ever seen before, and whose name was not even known to anyone! Doctor Slammer - Doctor Slammer of the 97th rejected! Impossible! It could not be! But it was true. There they were. What! now the stranger was introducing his friend! He could not believe his eyes! He looked again, and had to admit that his eyes were telling the truth; Mrs. Budger was dancing with Mr Tracy Tupman; there could be no mistake about it. There was the widow before him, bouncing around with vigour; while Mr Tracy Tupman danced with his face showing the greatest solemnity. He danced (as a good many people do) as if the dance was not to be enjoyed, but a serious test which it requires great resolution to pass.

Vocabulary:

Lean: To put the weight of your body against something
Mute: Unable to speak
Bow: Bending at the waist to show respect.
Bold: Without shame or fear.
Master of ceremonies: The man who runs a formal social event
Indignation: Surprise and anger
Rival: Someone you are in a contest with
Reject:Push away something you do not want.
Vigour: Strength and energy
Solemnity: Being very serious about something
Resolution: Determination