Before Marjorie could inquire further as to his meaning, Danny Seabrooke joined them with: “The next dance will be a fox trot. Bid Macy a pleasant but sudden farewell, Marjorie, and prepare to dance it with me. I am a much better dancer than he. You will have something agreeable to look forward to.” He simpered at Marjorie, then closed one eye and squinted reflectively at Hal.
“Hope you’ll be in condition to dance that fox trot.” The silky intonation was not without menace.
“I trust that I shall. It all depends. If I can persuade Marjorie to leave this danger-laden spot at once, all will be well.”
“Don’t be too confident. There’s many a slip——”
“I know it,” Danny cut in wisely. “I have fallen down three times on this floor tonight. I know all about that slip business.”
This confession merely provoked unsympathetic laughter on the part of his hearers.
The lively music of the fox trot beginning, Danny made an elaborate salaam to Marjorie.
“Goodbye for the present, Hal. I’m coming back to quiz you about that mysterious remark you just made,” she called over her shoulder as she started to dance away.
“You may expect me, too,” assured Danny. “Farewell!” He beamed foolishly at Hal and waved his hand.
“Farewell. You needn’t mind coming back, Dan-yell,” Hal flung ironically after him.