Carmen looked on with sparkling eyes; a bright flush of happiness
colored her cheek, her little foot involuntarily beat time, and her
lithe form swayed to and fro with a dreamy, rhythmical movement.

"Will you not dance also?" asked Alexander, close beside her.

"Oh, I would like to, above all things!" she replied with a lovely
smile, her eyes still fixed on the dancers. "How delightful it must be
to whirl around so!"

"Will you not try it with me, Fraulein Carmen?" he urged pleadingly.

"I cannot dance; at least, not like that!" she returned, turning her
beaming countenance towards him.

"Oh, it is very easily learned; just trust yourself to my guidance.
Put your hand on my shoulder, if you please, and with my arm I will
hold you firmly as we move around;" saying which, he proceeded to put
his arm about her waist. But she drew back, and gave him a horrified
look. As yet, no man's arm had encircled her--except Brother
Jonathan's, during that one dreadful moment of her life.

"I cannot do it--no, it is quite impossible!" she stammered.

"Then you must pardon me for making the attempt," said Alexander, and
bowed coolly.

"Refused!" whispered Pohlen, mockingly, when he stopped dancing, for he
had seen Alexander's defeat.