He was watching for Inza. She had promised him the first waltz, and he hoped to find time to chat a moment with her before the dance. He wished to compliment her on her brave attempt to rescue Effie Random.
While he was looking for her Miss Random entered the room, accompanied by her brother.
Lord Stanford, the Englishman, was present, and he started for Effie the moment she appeared.
But the girl saw Frank, and, leaving Wallace, she hastened toward him before the nobleman could reach her.
“Oh, Mr. Merriwell!” she exclaimed, with an ardor that surprised him, as she had seemed so cool and reserved, “I must thank you again and again for your heroic rescue of Inza.”
“Don’t,” entreated Merry. “I have been thanked enough already. Permit me to congratulate you on your fine appearance this evening. It is wonderful! I feared you would be prostrated, and here you are at this dance, looking as fair and fresh as a flower. I do not understand it.”
Her eyes fell.
“I—I came to see—you,” she almost whispered the words, and an added color tinged her fair cheeks.
Frank began to feel awkward. He could see Lord Stanford glowering at him from a short distance, and he wondered if this was the same girl he had fancied was so eager to capture the nobleman. It seemed that Effie had quite forgotten Stanford.
“To see me?” said Frank, slowly. “I am sure that is a compliment—a great compliment.”