"To let this one dance prove sufficient reward for your act of rescue."

"You request this?"

"Oh, you must not place the entire burden of decision on me, sir. I can
only suggest."

"Has Captain Grant any authority to dictate who shall be your partner?"

Her lashes lifted, and then fell before my gaze.

"He at least assumes the power, and generally with fair success. I must
ask to be excused from discussing this matter further now, but--but," her
voice trembled to a whisper, "I--I am sure your safety depends upon your
leaving me."

Astonished by these words, suddenly wondering if she suspected me,
scarcely comprehending what she meant, I stared into her face, as we
circled the room. Grant stood stiffly against the wall where we left him,
his eyes fastened moodily on the crowd; I realized his presence, yet my
whole thought was concentrated on the girl, the strands of her hair
brushing my lips, her steps lightly following the music, her eyes
downcast. Into the cheeks there came a flush of pink, and she glanced up
to read the surprise in my face.

"Do I need to say more?"

"Yes, you must," I insisted, "you can never believe I would leave you
because of personal fear."