Stuart Nightingale presently slid back to his seat; and now there came a stir; the music was discontinued. In a few minutes Rollo came bringing refreshments; Mr. Nightingale bestirred himself in the same cause; and presently they were all eating ices and fruits. At which juncture Miss Josephine joined herself to the party, with one or two of her sort, while several gentlemen began to "fall in," behind Miss Kennedy.
'Did you have a good time at Merricksdale?' Josephine asked.
'Not better than usual,' Hazel answered.
'Danced, didn't you? I wanted mamma to have dancing to-night, and she wouldn't. She's so awfully slow! O Mr. Rollo, do you like dancing?'
'On anything but my own feet,' said Rollo.
'Anything but your own feet? How can you dance on anything but your own feet?'
'My horse's feet? Or what do you think of a good yacht and a good breeze?'
'Horrid! I never want to be in one. And don't you like dancing? O why? Don't you, Miss Kennedy? don't you, Mr. Nightingale?'
'Depends on the dance,' said Stuart. 'And on my partner.'
'O it don't signify what partner you have. In fact, you dance with everybody, you know. That is the best fun. Don't you like the German, Miss Kennedy?'