The Tidal Wave and Other Stories by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell
page 119 of 340 (35%)
page 119 of 340 (35%)
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She hesitated for a second; then, with an affirmatory murmur, accepted
the proffered arm. The bold stare with which he met her look had in it something of compulsion. He led her instantly away from her retreat, and in a moment his hand was upon her waist. He guided her into the gay stream of dancers without a word. They began to waltz--a dream--waltz in which she seemed to float without effort, without conscious volition. Instinctively she responded to his touch, keenly, vibrantly aware of the arm that supported her, of the dark, free eyes that persistently sought her own. "Faith!" he suddenly said in his soft, Irish voice. "To find Una without the lion is a piece of good fortune I had scarcely prayed for. And what was the persuasion that you used at all to keep the monster in his den?" She glanced up, half-startled by his speech. What did this man know about her? "If you mean my husband," she said at last, "I did not persuade him. He never wished or intended to come." Her companion laughed as one well pleased. "Very generous of him!" he commented, in a tone that sent the blood to her cheeks. He guided her dexterously among the dancers. The girl's breath came quickly, unevenly, but her feet never faltered. |
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