"Please don't discuss the question aloud, Sonya. No one has asked me recently, only Major Hersey and Dr. Raymond earlier in the afternoon. Dr. Raymond dances abominably." "Not Carlo?" Sonya demanded. And Bianca shook her head. Something of their whispered conversation Hugh Raymond must have guessed. "We are not to have any more of the ordinary dancing just at present, Mrs. Clark. Miss Thompson and Carlo Navara are to do a folk dance together." Just as he was speaking, suddenly the music ceased and the dancers crowded into places along the wall. A few moments later, standing in the centre of the floor and alone, were Thea Thompson and Carlo Navara. This afternoon Thea did not look plain; she had on a simple black dress of some thin material, a bright sash and black slippers and stockings. Her red hair formed a brilliant spot of color. Carlo was in uniform. Their dance was probably an Irish folk dance, although it was comparatively simple yet the effect was charming. Sonya believed she had never seen two more graceful persons than Thea and Carlo as they advanced toward each other and receded, later forming an arch with their hands above their heads and circling slowly in and out. Sonya had known nothing of Carlo as more than an ordinary dancer, but evidently he and Thea must have been practicing together for the afternoon's entertainment. Naturally, Carlo's musical gifts would make him a more successful dancer than anyone without a sense of rhythm and time. In any case the effect was charming and the applause at the close enthusiastic. As soon as the dance was ended, Carlo came directly over to where Sonya and her husband were seated. Bianca and Dr. Raymond were standing close beside them. "Carlo, you have not asked Bianca to dance, you won't forget, will you?" Sonya murmured as soon as she had the opportunity without being overheard. "I am afraid you have hurt her, but please don't let her guess I have spoken to you." Carlo flushed slightly. "I am sorry my dear lady," he returned, which had been one of his old time titles for Sonya. "I am afraid I have neglected Bianca. Miss Thompson is such a wonderful dancer, she is apt to make one forget any other partner." But although Sonya smiled upon Carlo and forgave him, declining the honor of dancing herself, Bianca was not to be appeased. "I suppose Sonya asked you to invite me to dance, since you waited until she arrived before you thought of me. Thank you just the same but I'd rather not," Bianca said later in answer to his invitation. Afterwards, although Carlo pleaded for her favor and returned several times with a fresh request, nevertheless Bianca continued firm. Then, a few moments before going back to the hospital with Sonya and Dr. Clark, she waltzed for a short time with Dr. Raymond, in spite of the fact that she had been right in declaring that he was a conspicuously poor dancer. CHAPTER XIII _A Walk Along the River Bank_