"But I was," he answered, rather abruptly.
He took leave with a bow, and five minutes later found the opportunity which he had been seeking all the evening to speak to Miss Dearborn.
CHAPTER XX.
A PERSEVERING SUITOR.
Grace saw the approach of Major Ashton, and surmised his object in seeking an interview. She would have avoided it, but she was at the moment unengaged, and Major Ashton was one of her guests. She owed him a measure of courtesy.
When he offered his arm she accepted it with a bow, which she tried to accompany with a cordial manner.
"I congratulate you on the success of your party, Miss Dearborn," the major commenced.
"Thank you, Major Ashton. Then I may consider it such?"
"Decidedly. I trust it may prove auspicious, since it is given in honor of your birthday."