"Drowning's nothing to this," said Skippy, rubbing his forehead. "You see it's hopeless."
"Of course it isn't hopeless. If that great big lummox of a Tacks Brooker can dance aren't you ashamed of yourself to give up like that?"
"I'll never dance another step," said Skippy sulkily.
"The idea, Jack Bedelle! I want you to dance, and dance you shall!" said Dolly, stamping her foot. "Do you understand?"
He balanced carefully, stretched out one arm to encircle an imaginary waist. Page 172
"Don't rub it in, Dolly."
"Foolish boy!" said the young lady, squeezing his arm. "Do you think I want to dance all summer long with other men?"
Three-quarters of an hour later Skippy again, but alone, reached the protecting shadows. Again the orchestra was beating out an exhilarating measure.
"You bet I'm not going to let her dance with other men," he said under his breath. He balanced carefully, stretched out one arm to encircle an imaginary waist and started heavily to tread the illusive measure. Suddenly he realized that he was not alone. Farther down a couple were swaying in the shadows. Then Dolly's voice reached him.