"Eloise, Eloise—"
But she had turned and was receiving the newly arrived and merry crowd behind us.
My Aunt held to some customs which she permitted none of the innovations of society to alter. One was that her balls must open with the Virginia Reel. I saw her coming and understood.
"Jack," she nodded, commandingly, "we are ready, you and Eloise open it up."
Eloise stood behind her smiling. She placed both her hands in mine and together we glided to the head of the line. We stood holding hands and waiting for the music. Coming closer, my Aunt smiled and whispered, "I wish you two children could see what a fine pair you make. Pedigree counts even in a Virginia Reel, and you two were bred for it."
We both laughed.
"Look into that mirror across yonder," she laughed, "and see how much better I am at pairing off people than they are themselves."
We glanced across and saw Goff and a fat lady from town.
"They are matched perfectly," said my Aunt Lucretia, "both grass-fed."
"Please don't, Aunt Lucretia," said Eloise, "that isn't fair. You are trying your best to keep me from being a countess." Then she added suddenly, "Oh, Jack, tell me about Satan. You don't know how I've missed him. Where have you two been?"