"Noa—unless of course yer mean Naughton Parish 'All," he added after deep consideration.
"Has anybody ever been known to give a dance there?"
"Ay, I dare say."
With grim determination I clutched my bag and trudged on.
It was late when I crawled up the steps of Naughton Parish Hall.
I threw my things in a corner, scraped some of the mud off my trousers, removed my bow from the back of my neck, and staggered in the direction of the music. A one-step was just over, and the dancers were crowding the foyer.
Dorice appeared with her partner.
I went and stood before her.
"Dorice," I stammered brokenly, "I—I've come."
Dorice excused herself from her partner and took me into a corner.