She is touched by his air and disappointment.
"Well," she answers, reluctantly.
Just then madame floats by them. Violet rises, and they go gracefully down in the widening circles. Eugene waltzes to perfection. A few young girls look on with envious eyes, and something about Lucia Brade's face appeals to Violet. She does carry her heart on her sleeve, and has always been fond of Eugene Grandon.
"Let us stop," entreats Violet.
"Why, we were just going so perfectly! It was like a dream. How beautifully you do waltz! What is the matter?"
All this is uttered in a breath.
"I want you to go waltz with Miss Brade," says Violet. "She looks so lonely talking to that old Mr. Carpenter."
"Nonsense." And he tries to swing her into line.
"No; I do not feel as if I had any business with the young men," says Violet, rather promptly, standing her ground with resolution.
"See here," exclaims Eugene, suddenly, "if I waltz with her, will you give me another somewhere? If you won't, I shall not dance another step to-night," and he shakes his black curls defiantly.