When the Cheat came he told her again. She turned away from the outstretched arms and looked for Victor, whose face was flushed. For he felt he had been really rude to one of the best dancers in the room. And in the next Cheat some one picked up Laverne, almost lifting her off her feet, while Esta Collins paid him back with interest and a triumphant smile.
"I didn't do it right," Laverne said ruefully. "He was so big and strong, and I never saw him——"
"Oh, that's a good deal of the fun when you know all about it. The girls flirt awfully, but now and then one gets left in the lurch. The next is the Spanish Galop, and then the refreshments. Who is going to take you in?"
"Why—I don't know——" hesitatingly.
"Then I will, and we will have this galop."
"Victor," Isabel said, rather sharply, in the pause. "You take Miss Payne in for refreshments."
"Can't, my dear cousin. I wouldn't dare poach on Leon Sturges' manor."
"Victor!" But he had gone.
"Just see how that little thing holds on to Victor! Olive, you put a stop to it as soon as supper is over. I didn't think Victor would make such a fool of himself. He's danced three times with her. And she's just crazy over it. She's making a sight of herself."
Olive nodded. She had had all the attention she wanted, and had never once thought of Laverne, or Victor either.