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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!
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