She gave another laugh, slightly shorter and more conscious than the last. But before she could speak again, he moved a trifle nearer, and laid his fingers lightly on her fan.
"And how many dances am I to have?"
"I told you I must not dance—yet."
"And I told you that I would not make you dance. How many may I have?"
He bent very close to her; then frowned a little, and drew away again, as Lady Frances Hope, followed by Mrs. Bathurst and Mansfeldt, came towards them across the hall.
"You'll give me the dances?" he asked quickly.
Clodagh glanced at the approaching party; then bent her head in assent.
"And which?"
His tone was eager.
"The first—at least," she said.