To Lee
it had the appearance of the negation of pleasure; it was, in its way,
as bad as the determined dancing of adults; it had the look of a
travesty of that. Helena conducted a restive partner, trying vainly to
create the impression that he was leading, wherever she considered it
advantageous for him to go. The thick flood of her gold hair shimmered
about her uncompromising shoulders, her embroidered skirt fluttered
over the firmness of her body.
She was as personable a little girl as any present; and, while she
hadn't Gregory's earnestness in what he attempted, she got on smoothly
enough. Seeing Lee, she smiled and waved a hand almost negligently; but
Gregory, at his presence, grew visibly embarrassed; he almost stopped.
Lee Randon nodded for him to go ahead. There were various minor
cataclysms--Helena flatly refused to dance with a boy who pursued her
with an urging hand. At this conspicuous reverse he sat on a chair
until the teacher brought him forcibly out and precipitated him into
the willing arms of a girl larger and, if possible, more inelastic than
the others. The ring was again assembled, and the complicated process
of alternating a boy with a girl was accomplished.
"Never mind what he does," the instructor directed sharply; "always be
sure you are right." A shift was made further around in the line, and
the elder wisdom was vindicated.
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