"More," said the colonel. "By the way, Wilkins, let your men keep on their caps for the first hour--it looks more effective. When the dancing is in full swing, you can do as you like." "Yes, sir. What I had planned," said the bandmaster, obsequiously. They moved on, and a quarter of an hour passed; then, according to arrangement, the brass band of the regiment struck up outside and played a selection, as the first carriages began to arrive, but only one set for fear of their strains interfering with those in the ball-room. The first half-hour was devoted to a kind of reception, by which time the guests had grown thick enough to well fill the room, and then, punctual to the moment--dancing at nine--the band struck up, and the floor was covered with couples, the uniforms of the military and naval officers blending with the ladies' charming toilettes and flowers, and the few orthodox black dress-coats adding to, rather than detracting from, the general effect. Dick's position at one end in the front gave him plenty of opportunity for seeing the dancers, and the simple music caused but little necessity for watching his notes, so that he was able to gaze to his heart's content at the kaleidoscopic throng, and before long had watched with some interest the tall figure of Lieutenant Lacey, wondering which of the ladies he danced with was the one they had serenaded that night. He had settled upon one after the other, and credited the lieutenant with excellent taste; then believed he must be wrong, for, after dancing with his fourth partner--a tall, sweet-faced, graceful girl--he saw him lead her up to a thin, washed-out lady, of--well, middle age; and the next moment a sweet, silvery voice said-- "Pray, take aunt to have an ice, Lieutenant Lacey!" The lieutenant bowed and smiled, offered his arm, and, as his partner took the elderly lady's place, the latter was led off. "The lady of the serenade!" thought Dick, without hearing her voice. Almost directly after, as Dick was arranging a fresh sheet of music on his desk, but watching the fair-haired, graceful girl at the same time, his heart suddenly gave a bound, for he saw the major approaching, with a handsome, manly-looking young officer, who, with a half-contemptuous smile, was listening to his companion's remarks. They came on to where the young lady was seated not five yards away, and the next instant, as he stood there as if turned to stone, Dick heard every word spoken, and the major introducing Sir Mark Frayne to Miss Deane. Then they were left together, and Mark Frayne busily entered his name in three places upon the lady's programme, her name upon his own; after which he began creating the customary small talk, but at the same time seemed to be a good deal impressed by his new partner's personal appearance.