A Memoir of Jane Austen

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32 Changes of Customs
sliding bookcases and picture-stands, the letter-weighing
machines and envelope cases, the periodicals and illustrated
newspapers–– above all, the countless swarm of photograph
books which now threaten to swallow up all space. A small
writing-desk, with a smaller work-box, or netting-case, was all
that each young lady contributed to occupy the table; for the large
family work-basket, though often produced in the parlour, lived
in the closet.°
There must have been more dancing° throughout the country in
those days than there is now: and it seems to have sprung up more
spontaneously, as if it were a natural production, with less fastidiousness
as to the quality of music, lights, and floor. Many country
towns had a monthly ball throughout the winter, in some of
which the same apartment served for dancing and tea-room.
Dinner parties more frequently ended with an extempore dance
on the carpet, to the music of a harpsichord in the house, or a
fiddle from the village. This was always supposed to be for the
entertainment of the young people, but many, who had little pretension
to youth, were very ready to join in it. There can be no
doubt that Jane herself enjoyed dancing, for she attributes this
taste to her favourite heroines; in most of her works, a ball or a
private dance is mentioned, and made of importance.
Many things connected with the ball-rooms of those days have
now passed into oblivion. The barbarous law which confined the
lady to one partner throughout the evening must indeed have
been abolished before Jane went to balls. It must be observed,
however, that this custom was in one respect advantageous to the
gentleman, inasmuch as it rendered his duties more practicable.
He was bound to call upon his partner the next morning, and it
must have been convenient to have only one lady for whom he
was obliged
To gallop all the country over,
The last night’s partner to behold,
And humbly hope she caught no cold.°
But the stately minuet still reigned supreme; and every regular
ball commenced with it. It was a slow and solemn movement,