"But should you?" asked Tom.
"I never heard you swear, Mr. Pynsent—much—"
Tom Pynsent drew himself up with strong approbation and pleased vanity. "Shall we dance again, Miss Wetheral?"
"We have danced together twice this evening, Mr. Pynsent."
"Well, and what then?"
"People will remark," hesitated Anna Maria; "no gentleman dances three times with—that is—I really can't tell."
"But if we like to dance together, what is that to any one?" Tom rose and took her hand. "If you will not dance with me, I shall be sure you don't wish it."
Anna Maria rose, though reluctantly.
"It is not my wish to decline dancing, Mr. Pynsent: I only dislike making myself publicly remarked for breaking established rules."