"That is unfortunate—but it will serve to excuse you; yet I think you must essay to foot it once with Anthony. He is certain to insist on it."
"But I do not know——" Urith flushed. "How can I dance when I have never practised the measures and the paces?"
At that moment Anthony came up.
"Come, Urith," said he; "we must open the ball. All are waiting for you."
"But I cannot, Anthony."
He made a movement of impatience. "Nonsense, you must!" That was in his old imperious manner, which Bessie knew so well.
Bessie said aside to Urith, "Make the attempt. You cannot well go wrong."
Urith stood up—nervous, trembling, turning white and red, and with the tears very near the surface.
"Look here," said Anthony. "Father thinks, because I am thrust out of Hall, that everyone may kick at me—that I am of no account any more. Let us show that it is otherwise. Let them see that I am something still, and that my wife is not a nobody. Come!" He whisked her to her place at the head of the room.
Urith saw that all eyes were on her, and this increased her nervousness. As she passed Fox she caught his malicious eye, and saw the twirl of laughter and cruel jest on his lip.