"Now, this moment," added Tom, growing very red at his own fib, but following it up courageously. He knew very well that the dandies were quizzing him; he saw that Elsie was provoked; but though he trembled in every joint, and his face had heat enough in it to have kept a poor family comfortably warm from the reflection, he resolutely held out his arm, and the young lady took it, pouting and flinging back smiles to her forsaken admirers. "My sister wants me," she said, in explanation to her friends. "Tiresome, isn't it? for there is no guessing when she will let me come back." Tom led his captive away, but he was dreadfully frightened at the success of his own manoeuvre. "Where is Bessie?" asked Elsie, impatiently, as they walked down the ball-room. "This way," faltered Tom; "we shall find her in a moment." Elsie never deigned him another word; she was very angry, as she could be with any thing or anybody that marred her selfish enjoyment, and Tom walked on towards one of the parlors which he knew was empty, feeling like a man about to charge a battery single handed, but determined to persevere nevertheless. CHAPTER XII. TOM MAKES A DECLARATION. Tom led his captive into the parlor. Elsie looked about in surprise--there was not a soul visible. "Are you crazy, Tom Fuller?" cried she; "Bessie is not here." "She shall be here in a minute," stammered Tom; "just wait, please." "Indeed I will do no such thing," returned Elsie, sharply, snatching her hand from his arm. "Did she send you for me, Tom Fuller?" "No," cried Tom, with sudden energy, "I told a lie! I couldn't stand it any longer; I must speak with you; waiting was impossible!" Elsie turned on him like a little kingbird darting on a hawk. "What do you mean by this unwarrantable liberty!" she exclaimed. "Have you no idea of the common usages of society? Don't come near me again to-night; don't speak to me." She was darting away, but Tom caught her hand. "Oh, wait, Elsie, wait!" "You ridiculous creature!" said Elsie, beginning to laugh in spite of her vexation. "What on earth do you want?" "Laugh at me!" groaned Tom; "I deserve it--I expect it--but I can't live this way any longer! You are driving me crazy. I love you, Elsie! Only speak one kind word--just say you don't hate me." He was holding out his two hands, looking so exceedingly energetic in his wretchedness, that Elsie burst into perfect shrieks of laughter. "You silly old goose!" she said; "don't you know you mustn't talk in that way to me! You have no right, and it is very impertinent! There, go along--I forgive you." Tom stared at her with his astonished eyes wide open. "You can laugh at me!" he exclaimed. "Why, all these weeks you have let me go on loving you, and never hinted that it was so very disagreeable." "Now, Tom, don't be tiresome!" Tom groaned aloud.