“Enjoying yourself?” she asked.
“Yes,” he answered, staring at her with all his soul.
“Well, come on,” she said. “There’s the music beginning again.”
That appeal may have been made to the general stair-covered company, but he felt that it was to him.
“Come on,” he said to his partner. At the door of the ballroom he found, to his relief, the massive aunt. “Thank you so much for the delightful dance,” he said, bowing as he had seen others do; then he bolted.
Heaven was on his side because just inside the room, and standing for a moment alone, gazing happily about her, was the lovely lady. Could he? Did he dare? His heart was beating in his breast. His knees trembled. He felt as he did when he was summoned to old Thompson’s study. But the fear lest she should move away or someone should come and speak to her, drove him forward. He was at her side.
“I say,” he muttered huskily, “is anybody dancing with you just now?”
She swung round and looked down at him.
“Hallo!” she said. “It’s you!”
“Yes,” he answered, still choking. “I would like to dance with you.”