“Paul and I were thinking the same,” said Kate, as she placed her arm within hers. “Minnie is _tant soit peu_ inclined to flirtation, and we must warn her before it becomes a passion.” “A passion, Kate!” said her husband smiling. “Yes; a passion for admiration—for change, and a sickly love of flattery that is beneath a girl like our Minnie. How I do hope she will preserve that perfect freedom from all affectation that is one of her greatest charms.” Paul made no answer, but as the quadrille broke up, went forward to the object of this enconium as she accepted her partner’s offer of a quiet promenade after her dance. “Minnie,” said he, “you have not danced with me this evening.” “Because you have not asked me,” replied she, putting her arm through his with an affectionate smile. “I have felt myself quite neglected by you and Kenneth, I assure you.” “I was just coming to claim you, Minnie,” said Mr. Stuart, who had heard her last remark. “But since I am supplanted this time, we are engaged for the next.” She nodded to him and passed on to a group of young girls who were talking gayly, and joined them. One, a fair-haired blonde with a pair of melting blue orbs, accosted her with a congratulatory remark upon the entire success of her fête. “We are all delighted with every thing—with you and with ourselves, par parentheses. But why does not your father dance, Minnie?” “Go and ask him,” said she laughing. “I have not seen him dance since I was a little girl.” “Well, he shall dance with me then,” exclaimed the pretty questioner, “and I am going to invite him for the very next quadrille.” And off she tripped to find Mr. de la Croix. “Dance with you, my sweet young lady,” cried he. “And what will all these gay and handsome fellows say to my usurping their place?” “That I show very good taste in my selection of a cavalier,” was the reply. “You _must_ dance with me Mr. de la Croix because—I have said that you must.” “The little maid would have her will,” quoted he, much amused. “So come, my little conqueror, I could not refuse, even if an old man’s bygone steps are shocking to polka lovers and sliding graces.” “I have gained a victory,” said Miss Ashton, as he led her to a place among the dancers. “See, Minnie! I have chosen my own partner, in spite of ceremony and etiquette.” “Age has its privileges,” observed Mr. de la Croix, with a courtly bow, “and this is one of its most pleasant advantages. I had never been so honored but for my silver-streaked head.” “Ah, Mr. de la Croix!” said his young companion archly, “your youth has only to return to put us to the test. I’m sure you could tell us of bright eyes that followed you wistfully in days of yore.” “Little flatterer!” exclaimed he, as the music struck up. “My age again has helped me to this.” But the gay girl bounded forward, and he watched her graceful movements with so much pleasure that he almost forgot his own part.