It was plainly a hint to Dick, who at once took advantage of it, and asked:
"May I have the honor?"
"If it pleases you, sir," replied the girl, with a mischievous smile, and an old-fashioned courtesy.
Dick led her into a two-step, and they were soon whirling about. But Dick was not selfish, and he knew better than to keep Paul's partner away from him for long, so, making some excuse, he led Miss Fordice back to his roommate.
"I'll introduce you to some other girls, after this dance, Hamilton," Paul called back to him.
Dick noticed that a tall, dark girl, who was standing near one of the pillars, started at the sound of his name. A moment later she advanced toward him, appeared to hesitate, and then came forward.
"Excuse me," she said, "but are you Dick Hamilton?"
"I am," said our hero, secretly delighted at the chance of talking to the girl.
"I thought I heard Mr. Drew call you that. You must think it dreadfully forward of me to speak to you without an introduction——"
"Nothing of the sort," said Dick promptly.