"You are awfully kind," said the girl wistfully, "but you won't be able to find me a partner now."
"I can find you sixteen," said Joan.
The child turned wondering eyes on her, and asked a question.
"Me? Oh, I shall have a rest: I want one," replied Miss Gaymer, splendide mendax. "In fact, it will be a charity on your part to take them. They're all stupid, and they can't dance."
"You're a dear to suggest it," she said, "but it wouldn't do. Think how angry they would be, having booked a dance with Miss Gaymer, and only getting—"
"Do you know me?" asked Joan in surprise.
"Everybody knows you," said the girl.
Joan flushed rosily. It was a compliment after her own heart.
"I say, what's your name?" she asked.