"Ah, here you are, you truant. It is too bad to disappoint your partners in this way."
"Reg, this is Mr. Wyckliffe," said she, referring to her partner.
"I am very glad to meet you, Mr. Morris," said that gentleman, rising with a smile and extending his hand.
"Thanks. I am delighted to make your acquaintance," answered Reg, shaking warmly in his genuine way the hand extended to him.
"Miss Johnson has been good enough to make a confidant of me," continued Wyck, lightly. "She has told me of your engagement and I hope you will let me congratulate you. You are a lucky man."
"I am, indeed," answered Reg, as politely as he could, though he felt strongly inclined to resent the familiarity from a man who had only met him and his fiancée for the first time that evening.
"Miss Johnson mentioned that she was engaged for this dance with you, but as I have the next she agreed to sit them both out with me."
Reg began to grow uncomfortable, and turned to Amy, and said, "It's very cold here, Amy, I think you ought to go back, as Mrs. Whyte is looking for you."
"Oh! you won't desert me, will you, Miss Johnson?" said Wyck, gazing at her in an intense way, and exerting his will-power to the utmost.
"I'd rather stay, Reg," she answered, but the decision seemed to come from her reluctantly.