"Possession is nine points of the law," and Hal gaily retained Daisy's hand in his own, lest she should escape him.
But there were plenty of other gay and merry maidens of the court, and soon several couples were whirling up and down through the great hall.
Farnsworth stood apart, not joining in the dance, and presently Adele came up to him.
"Dance with me, Bill," she said, with the freedom of long acquaintance.
"Thank you," said Farnsworth, and in a moment they had joined the other couples. Bill was a perfect dancer, and when they stopped, Adele said: "Why don't you dance with Patty? She is a lovely dancer. I'd like to see you two dance together."
Still with a grave face, Bill crossed the room to where Patty was standing.
"Miss Fairfield," he said, politely, "our hostess has ordained that I dance this dance with you." He clicked his heels together, and made a low military bow.
"Indeed," said Patty, coolly, "but the Queen of May takes no one's orders, not even those of her beloved hostess."
"Then you refuse?" and Farnsworth looked Patty straight in the eyes.
"Of course I refuse," and she gave her little head a disdainful toss.
"This dance belongs to Mr. Van Reypen."