Now, with her feet crossed, and still on the tips of her toes she whirled like a top, did the graceful rocking step, swayed like a flower in the wind, whirled about again, courtesied once more, and laughing like a merry, dark-eyed sprite, ran back into the little waiting-room.
Oh, what thunders of applause greeted her, yet she sat quietly chatting with a lady who stood near her!
Again and again they seemed to be begging that the little dancer might return.
"I'll bow to them," said Nancy, and she ran out to do so.
"Once more, once more!" cried an eager voice, and then more clapping, and even a few shrill whistles from some very young men begged her to respond.
She extended her arms for a second, then whirling rapidly, she repeated the last half of the dance, courtesied again, and when she ran back to the little room, Dorothy embraced her tenderly.
"Oh, Nancy darling!" she cried, "you never danced finer. Do you know how pleased every one is?"
"I danced to please and surprise them," said Nancy. "I do love to see people look happy. They couldn't remember how hard it was raining while I was whirling and dancing for them."
Floretta, now more unhappy than before, turned so that she might not see Nancy, nor note the shimmer of her spangles.
Mrs. Paxton, who had been talking with a friend, now turned toward Floretta.