“Then give it to me out of charity,” said Bert. “Have pity on a poor hobble-de-hoy!”
Unaccustomed to this flattering style of conversation, Bernice blushed with pleasure, and grew coquettish.
“Maybe I won’t give it to either of you,” she smiled. “Maybe it’s already engaged.”
“Oh, say not so!” and Bert assumed a tragic pose. “But if it be, tell me the miscreant who dares aspire, and let me at him!”
“Me too,” chimed in Bob. “Oh, surely, certainly me, too! Let us both at him!”
The boys were so ridiculous that Bernice burst into laughter, and Mr. Forbes drew nearer to see what it was all about. Others did too, and the result was that Bernice was the centre of a jolly group.
She finally settled the matter by dividing the first dance and giving half to each of her suppliants.
And each claimed two more dances later on; and others flocked around asking Bernice for her dance card, until very shortly, her card was filled, with several down for extras.
Bernice was supremely happy. Only a girl who has been a wall-flower frequently, can appreciate the pleasure she felt in being besought for dances.
Dolly was satisfied with the behaviour of her colleagues. Not only the boys were doing their part nobly, but the girls were now and then chatting cordially with Bernice, and acting as if she were one of them.