They all rose then, as the Marquis smiled his appreciation and withdrew.
"Give me your arm, Dan," the old lady said. "It must be past my bedtime. Come, Nancy."
"Yes, mother." The girl rose wearily, stopping a moment at the mantelpiece to snuff the candles there. Tom seized his opportunity, and was by her side. She started, as she realized him near her.
"Nance, Nance, I must have a word with you," he exclaimed in a tense whisper, "don't go!"
"Nance, come," called Mrs. Frost from the hall.
"Yes, Mother, I am coming ... I must go, Tom. Don't delay me. You know how Mother is ..."
"What difference will it make if you wait a moment? Good Lord! Nance, I have been trying all evening to get a word with you, and you have not so much as given me a glance. Don't go—please don't go! Oh, Nancy dear,—I love you so!"
He seized her hands and kissed them passionately. "Nance, Nance ... please ..." His arms were about her.
"Tom, you make it so hard ... Remember, you promised me ... No word of love until I can think, until I have time to know ... Please, Tom, let me go."
"I can't let you go. Oh sweetheart dear."