"'It is no idle compliment to tell you, Miss Leason, that I enjoyed that dance more than I have done anything for years.'
"'Why?' I answered innocently, looking up with astonishment. He smiled and answered:
"'If I wished to flatter you, I should say because you are more beautiful and graceful than any lady I have seen for some time; but the real truth is, that I can perceive this is your first ball, and the freshness of your ideas is something novel to me.'
"'Are not my ideas like other people's?'
"'Far from it.'
"'I am very sorry,' I began, half hesitatingly; 'indeed, I wish to be like every one else.'
"'Never wish so again, Miss Leason; wish always to be just as you are now.'
"Just at this moment my mother and Bella joined us, and he relinquished my arm.
"'Why, Eva,' said Miss Clinton, 'Surely you have some charm. I have known Lord Montford for years, and I never saw him so animated or so happy before.'