And so at last the evening arrived. Both Nelly and I were in soft white silk; and when Mrs. Forsyth came into my room to inspect my dress before going down, she said kindly,—
'You look very nice, child. Now I hope you are going to enjoy yourself like other girls, and not let silly scruples lead you into doing anything that will displease General Forsyth.'
'I am not going to dance, Mrs. Forsyth,' I said, flushing as I spoke.
She left my room without replying, and then kneeling down, I asked to be kept and guided throughout the evening. I found great comfort in the verse, 'I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.' And on my knees I asked that I might not only be kept from joining in the gaiety, but from wishing to join in it, for I felt how little I knew my own heart. All that day I had had longings to throw myself heart and soul into everything, as Nelly intended doing; and I found myself wondering if there would be very much harm in doing so.
An hour later and I was in the midst of it. The first one who made his way to me was Captain Gates.
'I want you to give me a waltz,' he said. 'We have danced together before, so don't say "No." I have been looking forward to it.'
I shook my head.
'I can see from your face, Captain Gates, that you know what my answer will be. I think you would be very surprised if I were to do it.'
'I assure you I shouldn't be,' he responded; 'there's no earthly difference in dancing now and dancing a week or two ago. It is the same partner and the same place. Come, don't make my evening an unpleasant one by refusing!'
'I should not do that in any case,' I answered; 'there are plenty of other partners in the room for you.'