If dancing had been art instead of nature, something by rote instead of a segment of inner harmony, she could not have succeeded so well. He warded off the few blunders, and at the third change she had another well-bred partner. But she was glad to get back to him. The joy shone in her dangerous eyes. There were some new dances coming in. One of the girls from New York and her escort waltzed up and down the room in a slow-gliding manner that was the poetry of motion. She was fascinated, enchanted, and she knew she could do it herself. "We'll try it sometime," Saltonstall said. Mr. Leverett came in, bringing Anthony Drayton with him. He knew he was late, but he didn't dance, and he had earned five dollars copying that evening. But he must see Cynthia. "Oh, I thought you would not come!" Then she had been giving a thought to him out of her happy time! "I was detained. Are they all well, or didn't Cousin Chilian come down?" "Oh, no." They were being marshalled out to supper. "You'll have to content yourself with me," said Mrs. Stevens to Anthony, and he accepted smilingly. But she placed Cynthia next, so he could have a little talk with her. He was getting on so well, and she was glad for him. Some one wanted Miss Tracy to waltz again. Then they had a galop, and the party broke up. Anthony said good-night, and that he was coming up on Saturday. Then Saltonstall drew her into a little nook in the hall that made a connection with another room when it was open. Mrs. Stevens had smiled over its uses. "Cynthia, my darling, I must tell you this," and his voice seemed to throb with emotion. "I want the right to come and visit you as lovers have, for I love you, love you! I am coming to see Mr. Leverett and ask his permission. I do nothing but dream of you day and night. You are the sweetest, dearest----" "Oh, don't! don't!" She struggled in the clasp. "Oh, I can't--I----" and he felt her slight body tremble, so he loosed it. "Forgive me. I wanted you to know so no one can take you from me. I want to see you often. Oh, love, good-night, good-night!" He pressed a rapturous kiss upon her hand and was gone. She slipped through to the dining-room and took a glass of water. "You look tired to death, little country girl," said Uncle Giles, and he kissed her on the forehead. CHAPTER XV LOVERS AND LOVERS "Take me home with you, Cousin Chilian," she pleaded, when he came in the next day. "But I thought"--he studied her in surprise. "I want to go home," she interrupted, and her under lip had a quiver in it that would have disarmed almost any one, persuaded as well. "Why, yes. Didn't you enjoy the party?" He felt suddenly at loss, he was not used to translating moods with all his knowledge. "Oh, it was delightful! And some such pretty girls. There were new dances. And Mrs. Stevens _is_ charming. Anthony came over a little while." In spite of inducements held out, she would go. Cousin Giles was almost cross about it.