“It may be,” Barclay’s cheery smile was almost boyish. “Were you in Chicago two years ago?”
“N-no,” thoughtfully. “I think not.”
“You two can reminisce later on,” interrupted Mrs. Ogden hastily. “At present, Julian, I wish to introduce you to Miss Van Alstyne,” and before Barclay could protest he found himself before an extremely plain girl who accepted his request for a dance almost before it was spoken.
Patterson watched Barclay depart with a thoughtful frown, then turned to Ethel.
“Suppose we sit out this dance,” he suggested. “I want to talk to you, to have you all to myself,” and Ethel read in his expression the longing he did not strive to conceal from her.
She had twice refused Jim Patterson, but he had declined to accept dismissal, pleading that his great love for her must eventually bring in return a like affection. His dogged persistence had won her respect and liking, and she had, with a determination almost fierce, nearly convinced herself that her liking was becoming something warmer, stronger; but tonight—Ethel closed her eyes as if in pain.
“I wish to dance,” she announced, and Patterson, angered by her imperious tone, of which, to do her justice, she was totally unconscious, placed his arm about her and swung her into the dancing throng.
But as Ethel kept step to the music her heart was in hot revolt. What influence was at work to upset her resolution? Why could she not marry Jim Patterson? He was generous, chivalrous; surely to accept his offer of marriage was to insure not only her future happiness, but the welfare of her invalid father and delicate mother. Other girls married to secure the ease of mind and comfort which money could bring. She had not wantonly encouraged Jim Patterson; two refusals could not be construed as leading him on to a flirtation. He knew she did not love him; but their tastes coincided; surely her liking for him would bridge the matrimonial chasm as well as love? A word—one little word—
Patterson, who had been dancing in silence, drew Ethel closer to avoid collision with another couple, and the nearness of her presence broke down his anger.
“Give me my answer, Ethel?” he whispered in her ear. “Say I have a chance?”