"Ah 'low M'lissy 'll make some money out o' this. They's right smart here."
Von Rittenheim made his rounds and joined the group of men at the door. They received him pleasantly, for he was a favorite among them. Indeed, since his misfortune in the spring he had noticed an added warmth in their attitude, and a certain intimacy of approach. As he talked to them the music stopped abruptly, and with its last note he found himself alone, for the youths about him had precipitated themselves into the room to secure their partners for the next cotillon. The enterprising Hamp came in through the window, by which port of entry the orchestra departed in search of the reviving pail on the back porch.
Melissa came timidly to von Rittenheim.
"Won't you-all dance this nex' one, Mr. Baron? Ah'll get ye a partner."
"I fear I should make too many mistakes. I do not understand well enough English to know quickly what says the director."
"Oh, yo' partner 'll tell ye all that."
"Then, if you will be that partner, will I try."
"Oh, no. Hit looks like Ah'd been askin' you."
"But no, Mrs. Yare-brough, for I would not tr-rust myself to the care of anybody whom I knew less well."
"Truly? Then we'll stand here?" And Friedrich, looking at her beaming face, did not regret the effort.