The Cotman Letters 1834

We no sooner began to dance (we were opposite) that we commenced firing, jest upon jest, oh so sharp. I wondered at myself, I so quiet, “had it been you it would have been no wonder” as H. Morgan said, but for me to be so talkative and witty it was quite a remarkable event, and was hailed with repeated acclimations [sic]. There!!! C. Turner I thought would have died with laughter, he laughed till he could not stand to finish the dance and requested a Gent to take his place. This was the second dance, the first I danced with Miss Morgan, the 2nd with Miss Drake, 3rd Miss Popplewell, 4th H. Morgan, and then rung the changes on these 4 strings – ad infinitum. Oh! I asked Miss Stewart to sing, she said Oh! no, she could not sing for the universe and after teasing her a long time I left the lady and spoke to her no more, she offended me. We went to supper, and when the Ladies left the table we took possession, supped and after hearing songs for ½ an hour slipped out to the Ladies and danced again till ½ past 12. then home – very much pleased with the evening.
Monday 26th. On Saturday I rode over to Hanworth with Mr. John Bacon (Saturday night) and arrived to the great surprise of Aunt at eight, we did it in two hours, never once drew up, and the horse as fresh at the end of the journey as at the beginning, tis a most capital animal!! On Sunday Harriot and William came to dinner who with Miss Rampley (staying there) made our party. it was not fine so we hardly stirred out save to church, but were obliged to chat away the day and evening. Harriot is quite well and sent her love to you she wanted to know all about you; all that I knew, so we had rather a long yarn to spin, longer than her tail, dont you remember the tail?!! she had not forgotten it, and as she was rather put out in the course of the evening began to wag it