"It was very careless and selfish in me that I did not," he replied. "But I am sufficiently punished for it, as I have not been able to secure her for my partner a single time."
"Well, suppose we adjourn to the house now," said Walter. "Refreshments are served in the dining-room."
"And mamma has sent me to hurry you in," said Violet, appearing on the scene, with a merry party of young people in her wake.
They went into the house, and Jaquelina found herself placed between Walter Earle and Ronald Valchester at table. Violet was on the other side of Valchester.
They formed a merry party. The long table sparkled with silver and cut-glass and flowers, and the dishes were loaded with rare and dainty edibles and delicious fruits.
But Jaquelina was too happy and excited to eat. She drank in pleasure from the sights and sounds about her—the bright, happy faces, the joyous voices.
The hour that was spent at the table passed like a dream of pleasure, but afterward she remembered that she had only trifled with her knife and fork; she had been too excited to eat.
When they left the table the young people all went into the parlor.
Violet had a new piano—a fine instrument that she laughingly said it was a perfect delight to touch.
Several of the young ladies sang and played. Jaquelina sat quietly at the window and listened.