e is engaged to _me_ for the next dance," said the angry
Captain, before the young lady could answer.

"The third dance, then?" Percy persisted, with his brightest smile.

"With pleasure, Mr. Linwood," said Miss Bowmore. She would have been
no true woman if she had not resented the open exhibition of Arthur's
jealousy; it was like asserting a right over her to which he had not
the shadow of a claim. She threw a look at Percy as her partner led her
away, which was the severest punishment she could inflict on the man who
ardently loved her.

The third dance stood in the programme as a waltz.

In jealous distrust of Percy, the Captain took the conductor of the
band aside, and used his authority as committeeman to substitute another
dance. He had no sooner turned his back on the orchestra than the
wife of the Colonel of the regiment, who had heard him, spoke to the
conductor in her turn, and insisted on the original programme being
retained. "Quote the Colonel's authority," said the lady, "if Captain
Bervie ventures to object." In the meantime, the Captain, on his way to
rejoin Charlotte, was met by one of his brother officers, who summoned
him officially to an impending debate of the committee charged with the
administrative arrangements of the supper-table. Bervie had no choice
but to follow his brother officer to the committee-room.

Barely a minute later the conductor appeared at his desk, and the first
notes of the music rose low and plaintive, introducing the third dance.

"Percy, my boy!" cried the Major, recognizing the melody, "you're in
luck's way--it's going to be a waltz!"

Almost as he spoke, the notes of the symphony glided by subtle
modulations into the inspiriting air of the waltz. Percy claimed his
partner's hand. Miss Charlotte hesitated, and looked at her mother.

"Surely you waltz?" said Percy.

"I have learned to waltz," she answered, modestly; "but this is such a
large room, and there are so many people!"

"Once round," Percy pleaded; "only once round!"

Miss Bowmore looked again at her mother. Her foot was keeping time
with the music, under her dress; her heart was beating with a delicious
excitement; kind-hearted Mrs. Bowmore smiled and said: "Once round, my
dear, as Mr. Linwood suggests."

In another moment Percy's arm took possession of her waist, and they
were away on the wings of the waltz!

Could words describe, could thought realize, the exquisite enjoyment
of the dance? Enjoymen