“Thought I was too large and heavy, eh? Well, I may be large, but I ain’t heavy! A balloon is large, but it is light! I am also large, but I am light—on my feet! You shall see!”
“Well, will you give me the pleasure of your hand in this set?” he inquired.
“You bet!” she replied, placing her plump, yellow-gloved hand in his.
He led her to the head of the quadrille that was just forming.
Miss Meeke and young Dr. Ingle, who had “just happened in and been prevailed upon to stay,” stood up together vis-à-vis to the California lady and her partner.
They were the head and foot couples. Ned Grandiere and Wynnette were on the right, Sam Grandiere and Elva were on the left. This was the form of the first set in the front half of the drawing room.
Mr. Force led Miss Grandiere to the head of another set at the back of the long room. Leonidas took Miss Sibby—who adored dancing—to the foot. Odalite stood with Erna Elk on the right hand, and Mrs. Force with Melly Elk on the left hand.
And the two included the whole company, with the exception of Rosemary Hedge and the four Grandiere girls.
The music struck up the favorite, old-fashioned “Coquette,” and the dance began.
And, oh Terpsichore, how the lady from Wild Cats’ did foot it away! And she danced well—only, perhaps, just a little too vigorously for good taste.