another moment we were threading our way amid the numerous couples upon
the floor. She proved so delightful a dancer that I simply yielded
myself up to full enjoyment of the measure, and conversation lapsed,
until a sudden cessation of the music left us stranded so close to the
fireplace that the very sight of it brought a vivid realization of my
perilous position. If it had not, my companion's chance remark most
assuredly would.

"How easily you waltz!" she said enthusiastically, her sparkling eyes
and flushed cheeks testifying to her keen enjoyment. "So many find me
difficult to keep step with that I have become fearful of venturing
upon the floor with a stranger. However, I shall always be glad to give
you a character to any of my friends."

"I sincerely thank you," I returned in the same spirit, "and I can
certainly return the compliment most heartily. It is so long since I
was privileged to dance with a lady that I confess to having felt
decidedly awkward at the start, but your step proved so accommodating
that I became at once at home, and enjoyed the waltz immensely. I fail
to discover any seats in the room, or I should endeavor to find one
vacant for you."

"Oh, I am not in the least tired." She was looking at me with so deep
an expression of interest in her eyes that I dimly wondered at it.

"Did I understand rightly," she asked, playing idly with her fan, "that
Major Monsoon introduced you to me as Colonel Curran of General
Halleck's staff?"

What the deuce am I up against now? I thought, and my heart beat