"Now you will see my luck," and Jaqueline stepped out on the floor.
"One—two." Out went the third candle, but Jaqueline kept on and put out the fourth. She had half a mind to be angry.
"Well, two years isn't long to wait," remarked Dolly consolingly.
"It isn't the waiting. I don't see how I could have been so stupid, for I can jump almost anything."
Miss Marshall was a little timid, but went through the ordeal successfully, amid bravos.
"Marian, try your luck," said Dolly, as Preston Floyd squeezed her hand so hard it brought a flush to her cheek. "Ought she not, Cousin Preston? She's the only remaining single girl here."
"Yes, she must," insisted Jaqueline. "You'll all have time to get good and ready for my wedding."
Jaqueline had recovered her spirits, and caught Marian's arm, laughing gayly.
"Yes. Why it's rare fun! Come, Marian. Then I'll try. I shall go the whole seven," declared Preston.
Marian hung back, but they all persisted. If Mr. Greaves had been there, or her mother, but the elders had settled to whist, there being enough for two tables. Some sudden spirit roused her. She had done it times before. She would be young and gay just for five minutes.