She drew back a very little; Doane caught that; yet the courtesy of her race did not fail her. She inclined her pretty head; even smiled.
“Should I speak English?” asked the boy, out of sheer confusion; then: “Miss Hui Fei”—he was white; the words came slowly, almost coldly, between set teeth—“I am sorry for my rotten behavior the other night.”
That was all. He waited. Miss Hui's smile faded.
No Oriental could have come out so bluntly with it. She seemed to be considering him. Gradually the smile returned, and with it an air of courteous dismissal.
“I have forgotten it.”
Kane gathered his courage.
“May I have a dance with you?”
For a moment the silence was marked. Perhaps Miss Hui was gathering herself as well. But it was only a moment; she spoke, smiling as if she were happy, her manner gracious, even kind: “I am sorry. I have promise' every dance. The ladies are so few to-nigh'.”
That was all. The boy seemed somewhat slow in comprehending it. He stood motionless; then the color returned slowly to his face, flooding it. He bowed to her stiffly, then to her father, and rushed out on deck.
Miss Hui smiled up at the mate. “I have save' the dance you ask',” she said pleasantly. “It is this nex' one, if you don' mind.”