"I hoped she had not a partner for this dance," cried Walter, dolorously. "I meant to sit here and talk sentiment to her. I shall regret that I taught her the steps since you fellows continually take her away from me."
"I will sit by you, Walter," said his sister, coming to his side.
There was a smile on her face, but her voice sounded sad or troubled somehow.
"What, not dancing?" he said, surprised.
"Not this time. I am tired and would rather rest," she answered.
She sat down by his side and laid her white, jeweled hand on his arm.
"Walter, are you in love with Lina Meredith?" she asked him, very low.
Walter started and flushed.
"That's a leading question—rather," he said. "Well, Violet, I certainly admire her. I have never seen a more charming little girl in my life."
"Is Ronald Valchester in love with her, too?" pursued Violet, looking away from him that he might not see how much pain the question had brought into her eyes.