Dorice had not said who was actually giving the dance.
With vague misgivings I climbed into the cab.
"Go ahead," I said, with my heart in my boots; "drive away and let's get it over."
It was a long drive, and more than once I was nearly killed through hanging my body from the cab window in a vain attempt to catch a glimpse of Dorice in one or other of the motors that passed us on the road.
At Naughton Hall I looked out for her expectantly.
There was not a soul in the room that I knew. In a fit of dreadful panic I began to search desperately. Dorice was nowhere to be found, and the hand started upon the first waltz.
To me it was like a nightmare.
One thing I remember was finding myself dancing with a Miss Giggleswick.
I don't pretend to explain how it happened. As far as I can make out, some hospitably disposed person decided that he was expected to know me and find me a partner.
Anyhow, I danced with a Miss Giggleswick, and also I talked to her.