“Why, any of them would be proud to dance with the host. I would myself, only I’m engaged for it. But how do you like the Elf?”
“That perty one in green? I’d like her mighty well, if she’d honor me.”
“Let’s go and ask her,” and Dolly led the old man across to Bernice. “Say, Bernie, you’re the belle of the ball! Uncle Jim wants you to dance the Reel with him.”
“That I do, if you would give me the honor,” and Uncle Jim made an old-fashioned bow, of deference and respect. He had the grace of an old-time beau, and it appealed to Bernice’s pride to be chosen by the host of the evening.
“Thank you,” she said, a little shyly, and took the arm of the old man, as they found places in the line.
Dolly was beaming at her success. “It’s all right, no thanks to you,” she said to Tad, as she returned to him.
“You’re a hummer, Dolly, and no mistake! That was a first-rate scheme. You couldn’t have made any of the boys take her.”
“I know it,” and Dolly sighed. Then she changed the subject, for she had no wish to discuss Bernice further just then.
As it turned out, Uncle Jim was a fine dancer, and he cut pigeon wings and made old-fashioned bows, with his hand on his heart. Bernice, also a good dancer, entered into the spirit of the quaint dance, and they were by far the most effective couple on the floor.
As a grand finale, Uncle Jim balanced up and down the line with Bernice in gay whirls, and then fairly swung her off her feet, in a wild pirouette.