He guided her among the other whirling figures,
under the very eyes of her father and her fiance, while more than
one of the onlookers commented upon the handsome appearance of
these young people, the one so stalwart and blond and Northern,
the other so chic and dark and tropical.
He knew it was her lifelong loyalty, her traditional sense of
obedience, that made her hesitate.
"It was treachery to both of us," he urged; "they imposed upon
your father, but when he has won he'll forgive us. I know what I'm
saying; Mrs. Cortlandt told me to-night."
"Mother of God!" she exclaimed, faintly. "Is it that I am
dreaming?"
"They are waiting for us; the dance is half over already. I love
you--better than all the world. Do you remember two nights ago?
You kissed me then, and--I--I can't live without you. We'll go
away together, you and I, through all the world--just we two." She
trembled against him. "Quick!" he cried in her ear. "We're coming
to the spot. They can't see us now. If you feel weak, hold to my
arm until we are outside."
She gave a hysterical, choking sob that was half a sigh; then her
eyes flashed upward to his--they were wide and bright and shining--
her lips were parted, her body was lithe and full of life.
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