"I like to maintain my rights," he answered with a little gleam of fun in his eyes.
But Joy felt fairly certain that the gleam of fun had behind it a gleam of decision. Certainly John's motto was, "What's mine's mine!"—even when it was rented.
They finished to applause, and as the orchestra ended its minuet it slid on into a modern dance, and so did each of the couples, dancing on out on the floor.
Joy sank down at the end of the waltz on a seat by the wall, with John beside her.
He bent over her.
"Having a good time, kiddie?" he asked her gently. She nodded, her eyes like stars.
"Oh, I'm people, at last!" she said with a soft exultance. "I've always looked on and looked on, like a doll or a mechanical figure—and I'm real—I'm in the midst of things! And it's all you and the wishing ring! ... John, did you see? Your people—they really liked me!"
"Of course they did, you little goosie," he told her, smiling down at her. "You have more personal charm than almost any girl I ever knew. I don't know any one who doesn't like you."
"Gail doesn't," Joy ventured.
John shook his head.