"You are a new-comer, aren't you? I expect you don't know many people. If there is anybody you would like to dance with——"
I looked round the room. It was too good a chance to miss.
"I wonder," I said. "That girl over there—in the pink frock—just putting up her fan——"
He almost embraced me.
"I congratulate you on your taste," he said. "Excellent! Come with me."
He went over to the girl in the pink dress, I at his heels.
"Er—may I introduce?" he said. "Mr.—er—er—yes, this is Miss—er—yes. H'r'm." Evidently he didn't know her name.
"Thank you," I said to him. He nodded and left us. I turned to the girl in the pink frock. She was very pretty.
"May I have this dance?" I asked. "I've got my gloves on," I added.
She looked at me gravely, trying hard not to smile.