Vicky danced with a natural born talent that is quite unlike anything
acquired by lessons. I had no need to guide her, she divined my lead,
and swayed in any direction, even as I was about to indicate it. I had
never danced with anyone who danced so well, and I was profuse in my
thanks and praise.

"I love it," she said simply, as she patted the gold fringes of her
gown into place. "I adore dancing, and you are one of the best
partners I have ever had. Come, let us go down and cut into a Bridge
game. We'll just about have time before supper."

Pirouetting before me, she led the way, and we went down the long
steep stairs.

A shout greeted her appearance in the doorway.

"Oh, Vicky, we have missed you! Come over here and listen to Ted's
latest old joke!"

"No, come over here and hear this awful gossip Ariadne is telling for
solemn truth. It's the very worst taradiddle she ever got off!"

"Here's a place, Vicky Van, a nice cosy corner, 'tween Jim and me.
Come on, Ladygirl."

"No, thanks, everybody. I'm going to cut in at this table. May I? Am I
a nuisance?"

"A Vicky-nuisance! They ain't no such animal!" and Bailey Mason rose