let me go. Do men often behave like that at balls, Theo?"

"Well--no; not the right sort!" Desmond answered, a gleam of amusement
in his eyes. "But there's always a good sprinkling of the wrong sort
in a crowd of this kind, and the stewards ought to be more careful."

"The trouble is that--I gave him two dances. The next one is his, and
I _can't_ dance with him again. That's why I so badly wanted to find
you. Listen, they're tuning up now. Must I go and sit in the ladies'
room till it's over?"

"Certainly not. Come out and dance it with me."

"Can I? How lovely! I was afraid you were sure to be engaged."

"Of course I am. But as you happen to need me, that doesn't count."

She leaned forward suddenly, and gave him one of her quick, half-shy
kisses, that were still so much more like the kisses of a child than
of a woman grown. "It is nice to belong to a man like you," she
murmured caressingly. "You really are a dear, Theo! And after I've
been so bad to you, too!"

"What's forgiven should be forgotten, Ladybird," he answered,
tightening the arm that held her. "So that's a closed subject between
us,--you understand? Only remember, there must be _no more_ of that
sort of thing. Do you want the compact signed and sealed?" he added,
smiling.

"Yes--I do." And he sealed it accordingly.

Two bright tears glistened on her lashes, for she had the grace to
realise that she was being blessed and trusted beyond her deserts. A
sudden impulse assailed her to tell him everything--now, while his
forgiveness enfolded her and gave her a transitory courage. But habit,
and dread of losing the surpassing sweetness of reconciliation sealed
her lips; and her poor little impulse went to swell the sum of
unaccomplished things.

He frowned at sight of her mute signals of distress.

"No, no, little woman. That's forbidden also! Come along out; and if
that cad attempts to interfere with us, I'll send him to the right
about effectually, I promise you."

"But who _is_ your real partner?" she asked, as they rose to go.

"You are,--who else? My permanent partner!" he answered, smiling down
upon her. "I haven't a notion who the other is. Let's stop under this
lamp and see."

He consulted his card, and his face clouded for a moment.

"It's Honor! That's rough luck. But at least one can tell her the
truth, and feel sure she'll understand. There she is by that pillar,
wondering what has come to me. Jove! How splendid she looks to-night!