“Ah, yes, she has been taking a fine nap after it. But she is waking up now. Come, Esther, ain’t it about time for you to come out to see us again? I’m afraid you’re a sleepy-head. Come, you’re awake now!� and laughing coarsely, Professor Russell returned to the company.
Esther, to Mark’s delight, arose to a sitting posture, passed her hands several times over her eyes as if striving to collect her thoughts, and seeing only Mark present, asked plaintively:
“What is it, Mr. Cramer? Where am I? What has happened?� She looked about the room in a bewildered way. Then, as the sound of voices from the adjoining apartment fell upon her ear she turned, and burying her face upon the lounge burst into hysterical weeping.
Mark sprang to her side.
“Don’t Esther, child! Don’t cry! What is the matter?�
“O Mr. Cramer, have I been dancing again? Has that horrible, horrible man made me a waltzing puppet for the people to laugh at? It is too dreadful! What shall I do? What shall I do?�
“I am sure there was nothing ridiculous or laughable in your dancing, for it was really artistic; but truly, Esther, are you entirely unconscious when you perform that feat?�
“Indeed I am. I could not believe them when they told me about it the first time I danced that way. This time it seemed when I awoke as if I had been dreaming of dancing or of hearing dance-music. He makes me do it, that horrible man! I am sure the spirits have nothing to do with it.�
“Your hands are placed some of the time as though dancing with a partner.�
“Are they? I can’t help it. I remember nothing since Mr. Bartram made me laugh in the circle,—oh, he was witness to my disgraceful exhibition!—until I seemed to hear the Professor’s voice, and looking up I saw you there.�