"Ah, they will look!" she returned. "And we came to be--to be looked at. And it is very good of you to have no objections. Do I seem perfectly at ease? I hope so--though I am entirely well aware that at least a hundred people are discussing me. Is the expression of my eyes good--careless enough?" "Yes, child, yes," he answered, a little uneasily. There was an undertone in her voice which troubled him, much as he admired her spirit and self-control. "Thank you," she said. "Here is a bold man coming to ask me to dance. I told you the men would not be afraid of me. I think, if you approve of it, I will dance with him." "Go and dance," he answered. When her partner bore her away he took charge of her flowers and wrap in the most valiant manner, and carried them with him when he went to pay his respects to the matrons of his acquaintance who sat against the wall discussing with each other the most exciting topic of the hour, and who, when he addressed them, questioned him as closely as good-breeding would permit, upon all subjects likely to cast light upon this topic. "Never was at a ball in my life before," he admitted. "Asked Mrs. Amory to bring me. Wanted to see how I should like it." "With Mrs. Amory?" remarked matron No. 1. "She is dancing, I believe." "Yes," he said, good-naturedly. "She will be dancing all night, I suppose, and I shall be carrying her flowers; but I don't mind it--in fact, I rather like it. I dare say there are two or three young fellows who would be glad enough to be in my place." "I have no doubt," was the reply. "She has been very popular--and very gay." "She is very popular with me," said the senator, "though I am an old fogy, and don't count. We are great friends, and I am very proud to be her escort to-night. I feel I am making my _début_ under favorable circumstances." There could be no doubt of his sentiments after that. He was her friend. He admired her. He even made a point of saying so. What became of the story of the scandal? It seemed to have ended in nothing and worse than nothing; there was something a little ridiculous about such a tame termination to such an excitement. One or two of the ladies who had found it most absorbing looked aimlessly into space, and an embarrassed silence fell upon them.