He came towards her at once. He had paid court to her assiduously for some time, always without the slightest result. She detested the man, reading his character well enough. He was delighted at the welcoming tone in her voice, and went quickly to her side.
"Is there the most remote chance of your giving me a dance?" was his first query.
"I think not," she answered. "My card has been full for a long time."
"Then may I at least have the privilege of staying with you until your next partner arrives?"
She was silent for a minute; then she said quickly,—
"You may stay on one condition."
"What is that?"
"I want to be introduced to a young lady, one of the guests."
"What young lady?"
"She is known as the Silver Queen. Her real name is Katherine Hepworth."