"Miss Maud and I thank you very much for the attention," she said, with a ceremonious bow; "only," she added, smiling maliciously at me, "I must prepare you for a disappointment, which you will, no doubt, feel very much afflicted by--our friend does not dance!" "What, never?" "We have given several little parties at my father's rooms, and have never been able to persuade her to." "Ah! that's no doubt because she only knows her oriental dances." "You're quite wrong there! She has taken lessons just as we have, and waltzes splendidly; but she won't even dance with the professor; it's always Maud or I who act as her partners. She has some principles on this subject which appear to be rooted in her, and which we have not yet succeeded in overcoming." "If you would help me this evening," I said, "perhaps we can succeed between us." "What, is it to be a conspiracy?" "Quite a friendly one, for you must admit that it is for her own interest." "I won't deny it," she replied, with a laugh; "but how are we to force her?" Then I noticed poor Kondje-Gul, who was watching us, and seemed to envy us. "Listen!" I said, as if a sudden idea had struck me. "I know of a likely way." "Well?" "Let us take my aunt into our confidence; I see them over there talking Turkish together. My aunt will perhaps be able to exercise sufficient influence over your friend to convince her that she may conform to our usages without committing any offence." "Yes, that's the way to manage it!" exclaimed Miss Suzannah, in delight. "Our conspiracy is making progress; but how shall we get at your aunt?" "Does Mademoiselle Kondje-Gul understand English?" I asked her. "No, not a word." "Then it's a very simple matter," I added. "After this polka I'll take you back to your seat; you then communicate our scheme to my aunt in English, and ask for her assistance; I come up, as if by chance, and try my luck with her for the next waltz." We did as we said. I watched from the distance this important conference, all the details of which I guessed. While Miss Suzannah was addressing my aunt in English, I saw her laugh in a sly manner, casting a glance at me. She at once understood our request; then turned her attention again to Kondje-Gul, and continued, quite undisturbed, the subject which she had last commenced talking about with her. I had so perfectly anticipated all the phases of this scene, that I seemed to hear what she said. By Kondje-Gul's face I could tell the moment my aunt approached her on our subject, and the negative gesture with which she replied was so decisive--I was nearly saying so full of horror--that, fearing lest she should cut off her retreat completely, I deemed it advisable to intervene as quickly as possible. I advanced, therefore, without any more ado, joined their group, and addressing myself to the handsome young foreigner, I said to her: