. . . Pepper!" he cried, rapping on the
window. "Go and do your duty. Miss Allan expects you."
When they came to the windows of the ballroom, the swing of the dancers
and the lilt of the music was irresistible.
"Shall we?" said Hewet, and they clasped hands and swept off
magnificently into the great swirling pool. Although this was only the
second time they had met, the first time they had seen a man and woman
kissing each other, and the second time Mr. Hewet had found that a young
woman angry is very like a child. So that when they joined hands in the
dance they felt more at their ease than is usual.
It was midnight and the dance was now at its height. Servants were
peeping in at the windows; the garden was sprinkled with the white
shapes of couples sitting out. Mrs. Thornbury and Mrs. Elliot sat side
by side under a palm tree, holding fans, handkerchiefs, and brooches
deposited in their laps by flushed maidens. Occasionally they exchanged
comments.
"Miss Warrington _does_ look happy," said Mrs. Elliot; they both smiled;
they both sighed.
"He has a great deal of character," said Mrs. Thornbury, alluding to
Arthur.
"And character is what one wants," said Mrs. Elliot. "Now that young
man is _clever_ enough," she added, nodding at Hirst, who came past with
Miss Allan on his arm.
"He does not look strong," said Mrs. Thornbury.
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