"It's been so perfect," she said. "I have enjoyed it! Thank you ever so many times for letting me go!"
Her flushed and happy face was very fair to see, and the Colonel smiled upon her with fatherly kindness. He could not help liking the child. She was such a taking imp!
"Glad you've had a good time," he said. "I hope you thanked your friends for taking you."
"I should think I did!" laughed Dinah; and then seeing that his expression was so benignant she slipped an ingratiating hand through his arm. "Colonel, please—please—may I dance to-night?"
"What?" He looked at her searchingly, with a somewhat laboured attempt to be severe. "Now—now—who do you want to dance with?"
"Anyone or no one," said Dinah boldly. "I feel happy enough to dance by myself."
"That means you're in a mischievous mood," said the Colonel.
"It's only a Cinderella affair," pleaded Dinah. "To-morrow's Sunday, you know. There'll be no dancing to-morrow."
"And a good thing too," he commented. "A pity Sunday doesn't come oftener! What will Lady Grace say I wonder?"
"But Rose is sure to dance," urged Dinah.