"Why, I never said I couldn't," Phyllis protested, and Howard, who was trying to recover his first fit of laughter by drinking a cup of punch, choked and had to be severely thumped on the back by John.
Chuck looked angry and puzzled for a minute and then he acknowledged his defeat and laughed good naturedly.
"One of you dances," he said with conviction. "Will she please do me the honor of dancing this one step with me?" He looked at them both, not at all sure which one would reply.
"I'd love to," Phyllis said, laughing.
He took her in his arms and away they whirled. Chuck, unlike most boys of his age, liked to dance, and Phyllis was as light as the fairy she claimed to be, so for a few minutes they did not speak, for they were contented to glide over the waxed floor to the inspiring music.
"I should say you could dance," Chuck said at last. "If your voice was not entirely different I would say that you were Daphne Hillis."
"Would you?"—Phyllis did her best to imitate Daphne's drawl, and she succeeded so well that Chuck came to a full stop in the very middle of the floor and stared at her.
"Are you Daphne?" he demanded.
Phyllis gave a little laugh and lowered her eyes, but she neither admitted nor denied.
Chuck started to dance again without saying another word, and presently Phyllis stole a quick glance up at him. She found him staring at her with a new look in his eyes.