human
I know I haven’t kept you waiting, she said brightly,
gpt
Is Robert in a hammock? she exclaimed apprehensively.
human
I meant to stick them both full of pins, but I haven’t had time. That poor dear man has done a lot to-day, in spite of all my warnings. I expect he will sleep from here to Boston, when we get started. You two girls look perfectly lovely. I shall wake him up with that information.
gpt
I thought I would wander down and make sure of you,
human
You were sure of us, she returned.
gpt
I have not danced for five years. It seems to me I should never have thought of it again but for your invitation.
human
You do not care for the amusement, then?
gpt
Clover Bryant used to care greatly, she said, smiling;
human
How marvelous is the endurance of man and woman kind, he remarked.
gpt
How many of these people do you suppose have been doing the Fair to-day?
human
You mustn’t talk about the Fair, returned his wife.
gpt
It is fortunate for you that the diversion came up, else I should have spent this evening weeping because I have said good-by.
human
Have you come over here with the notion that I am going to dance?
gpt
No, I haven’t the least idea you will. I wouldn’t ask it, since you were foolish enough to tramp miles to-day.
human
How could I help that, my dear, with the awful ’last chance’ sensation hanging over me?
gpt
Are you going to dance, Hilda?
human
Apparently not,
gpt
Give me this, won’t you?
human
Oh, you don’t need to. Why, where are Mildred and Clover?
gpt
They are sitting over yonder. They have many friends here. It seems to me this is rather a peculiar way for you to treat my invitation.
human
No, Jack, said Page, with a heart-rending sigh.
gpt
The old man will have to dance once. ’Let it be soon,’ as the song says. Come, my love, weary and footsore, let us tread the dreamy maze together.
human
Robert really wants to dance, said Hilda to Van Tassel confidentially.
gpt
The music inspires him. I haven’t the heart to refuse. Thank you. Perhaps later we can have a turn.
human
Now, wasn’t that sweet of Jack and exactly like him? asked Hilda, when they had drifted in among the floating couples.
gpt
He was afraid you were going to be immovable; and the very first dance, when of course you would suppose he would ask Mildred
human
Or Mrs. Van Tassel, according to your theories.
gpt
My dear, I am shaken on my theories. I may have been wrong. I hope I have been. What do you think, Robert?
human
I can’t tell any of my thoughts while I am dancing, Hilda. Don’t ask it. If you do, I shall probably step on your foot. I have the greatest sympathy with the man who, when his partner insisted on talking to him in a round dance, replied as follows: Yes, two, three; one, no, three; one, two, yes; and so forth.
gpt
What a goose you are, dear; but you dance as well as you ever did, if you have forgotten how to say sweet nothings during a waltz.
human
Pray remember how much more breath I used to have. The spirit is willing still, but the flesh is too many for me.
gpt
There go Gorham and Clover, said Mrs. Page with some excitement, pausing in the dance, and taking her husband’s willing arm.
human
Robert, I want you to watch Gorham to-night,
gpt
More mysteries? returned Page plaintively.
human
I don’t see anything out of the way about him. He is rather stunning in a dress-suit.
gpt
I wonder if Clover thinks so,
human
Oh, you are only marrying him again, remarked her husband, with an air of enlightenment.
gpt
If all your plans succeeded, I don’t know what would become of Gorham. He couldn’t even take refuge in Utah, for I understand the Mormons are discouraging plural marriages.
human
You can chaff, Robert; but mark my words, some day you will look back to this evening and exclaim over my cleverness. I haven’t told you all I know. I have proofs, if I chose to
gpt
Yes, my dear, your fate is the common one of those who cry ’Wolf’ too often. I’ve heard your proofs before. Then squeezing his wife’s hand against his side, he added,
human
There isn’t another Hilda for poor Gorham, so how can I take a breathless interest in his prospects?
gpt
I don’t understand how you can see those four people together and not weave romances. Now, for instance, I am burning to know why Mildred and Jack are not dancing this first dance together, instead of with Lieutenant Eames and his cousin. I dare say poor Jack lost his chance by coming to take care of me.