“Just in time, eh, auntie, I guess so!” cut in the cheerful voice of strenuous Sam, who had bounded down the steps and stood in front of them before they could turn around.
“Oh, horrors!” gasped Virginia under her breath.
“Why, Sam!” laughed Mrs. Harris, “you want me to dance with you again and Virginia here?”
“Oh, no, not you! I mean her, auntie. If you please,” and he bowed to Virginia as he offered her his arm.
Without an instant’s hesitation she accepted his arm and at the same time so artfully masked her real feelings that the hot blood raced with joyous glee to the very roots of his hair and caused him to say proudly, “Ha, ha! at last, eh, auntie!”
“I shall be a witness, Sam,” replied his aunt in a tone which conveyed a warning.
On ascending the steps Virginia paused to gather up her skirt, turned half around and looked very significantly at Rutley.
He met her glance and bowed. The action brought Mrs. Harris also to a stop.
Observing the halt, Mr. Thorpe exclaimed, “His Grace and myself will be along presently. Au revoir.”
And as the party moved on, Sam rejoined under his breath, “I guess so, but not with his fair party, not if Sam knows it.”