‘This is jolly!’ said Bunny with infectious good spirits. ‘Won’t you dance with me, Hypatia?’
‘I’ve never been taken for Hypatia before,’ Sheila answered.
‘Oh, sorry! It’s Miss Dyrle. Do dance with me, Miss Dyrle. It’s a waltz this time, without trimmings.’
They whirled away among the dancers.
‘I don’t know these old dances, do you?’
‘No. But what does it matter? They stick in a few ordinary things now and again specially for Philistines like us.’
Her heart danced with the music.
‘You brought your violin, didn’t you, Mr. Bunnard? When are you going to play for us?’
But Bunny did not answer. Sheila was rather chilled to observe his abrupt change of mood. He had caught sight of Hypatia dancing with her brother.
They finished the set in silence, and Sheila was immediately claimed by Edward. She felt bitterly alone in the world. She and Hypatia had come to a definite parting of the ways; and she had no other friend.