"You know," retorted the Armenian boy, "that Monsieur is as proud as a pasha; he thinks he knows it all, and when he goes back to Van he will probably go around boasting about what a success he was in society. Since Nejib is under obligations to him, he might better have given him some sort of present; the poor lad feels entirely out of place here, and is sighing for his goats and their stable." "That isn't true!" cried Winnie again. "Baron Archag is modest and shy, but he is very happy here. Only yesterday he was thanking mamma in such a touching way, it brought tears to my eyes." "Since he pleases you so much, I'm sorry he didn't dance with you," replied Mademoiselle Maréchal, pursing her lips. "He must have had nerve to ask you. No doubt if he could have executed the sword dance or some other wild man's antics, he would have done himself proud; but he was a big fool to try the polka, a dance of civilized people!" Archag had restrained himself until now: but this last insult of the other Armenian boy was too much for him, and brushing aside the foliage which had hidden him, he came forward to face his adversary. Only his black eyes, darker than usual, and his quivering nostrils, betrayed his emotion. "I believe you are right," said he. "I am no good at these complicated European dances; luckily I can still do the sword dance that you scorn so, as our heroes used to dance it before engaging in battle. I am going to dance it for you, but I shall not invite Mademoiselle Maréchal to take part in it." He went out of the room, and soon returned, bringing a sword and a shield. Before the guests had recovered from their surprise, the orchestra was playing a sad and tender melody, and Archag had begun to dance, brandishing his shield and sword above his head. As the music grew louder and more wild, the movements of the dancer increased in rapidity; now he darted forward, and stood poised with uplifted sword, to repulse an imaginary enemy; again he spun around like a top, whirling his sword rapidly, and beating upon his shield. Then the music gradually grew soft again, Archag's intensity relaxed, and at last he sank exhausted on a seat. The young people were roused to enthusiasm: they appreciated the beauty of this dance, and felt its superiority to the modern ball-room dances, so conventional and unpoetic. They all gathered eagerly around Archag; even Mademoiselle Maréchal congratulated him, and invited him to call, on her reception day. Nejib and Winnie were delighted with their friend's success. As for the other Armenian boy, he remained forgotten in a corner, quite eclipsed, and no one noticed when he went away. CHAPTER XIX LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!