Trent had never been in any public place with her, and he was totally unprepared for the effect she produced. As they followed the head waiter to a table, a noticeable whisper ran round the room, then silence. Then a youth, who had courage as well as champagne aboard, rose and lifted his glass.
"On your feet, all of you! To Bob, God bless her!"
With laughter everybody responded. Trent, slightly amused, secretly annoyed, watched Bob's expression. First astonishment, then concern for him, then genuine pleasure. They were not yet seated, so she lifted an imaginary glass to them.
"Thank you, friends. Here's to a short life and a merry one for us all!"
Applause greeted her, and as they took their seats she turned to Trent impulsively.
"I'm so sorry," she said; "you hate it, of course, but don't. It's only because they really love me."
"Suppose we don't try to explain things to each other, my lady."
The music began, and he rose and held out his hand to her. She had not danced with him before, so when he swung her away with the ease of a master, she had a sense of surprised pleasure before she gave herself up to the joy of it.
"I'd never have thought it of you, Paul," she said, as they took their seats. He laughed and lifted his glass.
"To the partnership!"