Jo’s face was triumphant as they met Leigh Shirley at the dining room door.
“What’s the next case on docket, Leigh?” Thaine asked, dropping Jo’s arm.
Jealousy has sharp eyes, but even jealousy could hardly have found fault with the friendly and indifferent look on Thaine’s face.
“Why, it’s my first with you, Leigh. Who’s your partner, Jo?” Thaine continued.
Two or three young men claimed the honor, and the music began.
“Mrs. Aydelot, Thaine has asked me to stay all night,” Jo said, as the figures were forming. 228
“It will please us all,” Virginia said graciously, and Jo tripped away.
When the strains of music for the last dance began Jo looked for Thaine, but he was nowhere to be found. She waited impatiently and the angry glitter in her eyes was not unbecoming her imperious air.
Bo Peep did not wait long, for he was getting tired. Half a dozen young men rushed toward Jo as she stood alone. But Todd Stewart let no opportunity escape him. And the dance began. A minute later Thaine came in with Leigh Shirley. Smiling a challenge at Todd, he caught Leigh’s hand and swung into the crowd on the floor.
The older guests were already gone. The music trailed off into a weird, rippling rhythm, with young hearts beating time to its melody and young feet keeping step to its measure. Then the tired, happy company broke into groups. Good-bys and good wishes were given again and again, and the party was over.