[20] Official.
The beautiful girl had grown in a marvellous manner during these six years, she was the tallest among the damsels present, and her lofty Russian coif made her appear even taller than she was.
Just then a good many couples were dancing a mazurka.
Heinrich made his way up to his former ideal, and, bowing first of all before her dear mamma, with a chivalrous flourish demanded the hand of her daughter for a dance. It was six years since last he had seen her.
The stately damsel proceeded deliberately to draw off her long, embroidered gauntlet.
Heinrich was amazed. What an odd custom for a lady to draw off her glove when invited to dance!
The young lady extended her hand towards Heinrich, her smile was somewhat peculiar.
"Miss Tatiana?" stammered Heinrich.
"Well, doctor! I thought you wanted to feel my pulse!"
Heinrich was crushed. They were making game of him. He was no cavalier, but only a doctor, apparently. He rather wondered the lady did not protrude her tongue as well, to make the consultation quite complete. It only needed that.