We walked through the ball-room where amusement was now at its zenith,
and when we had reached the upper end Mr. Dalton paused and looked at
the gay scene before us. He had seemingly forgotten me, while his
thoughts were busy with their own weaving. We had only been there a
moment when my father advanced towards me accompanied by another
gentleman.
"Amey," he began before he had quite reached me, "have you forgotten
our friend Dr. Campbell."
I was sensibly confused as I withdrew my hand from Mr. Dalton's arm to
give it to Dr. Campbell. I bowed and smiled as at our first
introduction in the library at home, and I fear I was guilty even of
blushing, too.
Mr. Dalton, seeing my attention diverted, bowed himself gracefully
away. My father had vanished before him, and thus was I left
completely at the mercy of a trying circumstance.
Dr. Campbell broke the awkward silence happily, saying:
"It cannot be for want of an introduction, Miss Hampden, that you and
I are not friends."
"No indeed," I answered stupidly, not knowing very well what to say.
"Are you dancing this evening," he next asked, in a most composed tone
which made me envy him.
"Very little," said I. "I am exclusive on that subject."
"Which means that you will not honour me," he interrupted blandly,
looking questioningly into my face.
"Oh, no!" I exclaimed seeing how misinterpreted my words were. "I mean
with regard to the dances, not the people.
Pages:
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107