The tenth dance had hardly begun before the music slowed noticeably, and the lights gradually grew dim, the room blurred, and the couples came to a standstill as darkness descended over them. Four figures hurried their protesting partners towards the bench under the palm. They were all there by the time the gong sounded.
Suddenly the lights blazed on again, and four very surprised boys stared in bewilderment at the four girls before them.
"Oh, now I know I'm crazy!" Howard exclaimed. "So don't bother to pinch me," he added, as Chuck and John lifted their arms.
Jerry Dodd looked reproachfully at Daphne and wagged his head.
"It was you all the time," he said, "but how could a feller be expected to know when you talked the fool way you did."
"But, Jerry, are you sure you were dancing all the time with me?" Daphne's drawl sounded pleasantly on all ears.
"That I am," Jerry replied, with so much certainty that Phyllis and Daphne shrieked with laughter.
Grant Weeks, in spite of the dignity that his King Cole suit gave him, looked very limp as he sat down on the bench. All he seemed to be able to say was,
"Sally Ladd—you—you—" The rest was lost in groans.
Up until now Chuck had not spoken. He had stood looking at all the girls in turn, and particularly at Phyllis and Janet.