le Loveday, her
moment of self-criticism gone, stood trembling with eager happiness.
Then Miss Le Pettit spoke, lightly and kindly.

"Surely I have seen you before, my girl?" she asked. And, turning to the
little group of her friends, added:

"She has such a striking air, 'twould be difficult to forget her."

Yet, till this moment, Miss Le Pettit had forgotten everything save that
air. Forgotten her careless suggestion, her prettily given promise, her
praise. Forgotten even the pleasant glow such evident worship as this
village girl's had stirred in her. She had had so much worship since!
Who can blame her for not remembering some idle words her artistic
perceptions had prompted three weeks earlier? It had been a fantastic
suggestion at best, as a girl of sense would have known, treasuring it
merely for its kindly intention. After all, Miss Le Pettit would be far
more conspicuous dancing with a village maiden at the Flora than with a
gentleman suited to her in rank and estate. Since that day at Upper Farm
she had met just such a gentleman--he with the glossy whiskers and
handsome form who was nearest to her now, smiling at this little
encounter.

"Why, child," said Flora to Loveday, "you look very nice, I am sure.
But your place should be much further down the procession." Then, more
sharply: "Why do you stare so, girl?"

Loveday stood as one stricken, her cheek now as white as the sash she
was still holding in her shaking hands.

CHAPTER XII: IN WHICH LOVEDAY DANCES

Chapter XII

IN WHICH LOVEDAY DANCES

The Mayor had stepped forward, fearing lest this young person might be
annoying the heiress; the bandsmen had turned from the final survey of
their instruments to gaze; here and there various people who recognised
Loveday were pressing through the crowd, eager to see and hear.
Only Miss Le Pettit had drawn back against the protecting arm of the
gentleman who was to be her partner. Loveday still stayed, her riband
in her hands.

There came comments from the crowd.

"Loveday Strick! She'm mad! This month past she'm been like a crazy
thing about the Flora!"

"I thought all the time she must be mad to have imagined Miss Le Pettit
meant to dance along wi' she!"

"What's the maid got on? I can't rightly see."

"Old white, but a brave new sash."

At that Loveday raised her head and looked about her. A shrill voice
from the crowd answered the last speaker.

"A new sash; Ted'n possible. Us