She had altered her
mind about coming, with apologies for her vacillating disposition so
penitent and disproportionate that her indulgent and unsuspecting mother
was really quite amused. Alfred was not so happy as to know that she had
changed her mind with his note. Perhaps even this knowledge could have
added little to that exquisite moment, when, unhoped for, she passed
close to him, and the fragrant air from her brushed his cheek, and seemed
to whisper, "Follow me and be my slave."
CHAPTER V
HE did follow her, and, convinced that she would be engaged ten deep in
five minutes, hustled up to the master of the ceremonies and begged an
introduction. The great banker's son was attended to at once. Julia saw
them coming, as her sex can see, without looking. Her eyes were on fire,
and a delicious blush on her cheeks, when the M. C. introduced Mr. Alfred
Hardie with due pomp. He asked her to dance.
"I am engaged for this dance, sir," said she softly.
"The next?" asked Hardie timidly.
"With pleasure."
But when they had got so far they were both seized with bashful silence;
and just as Alfred was going to try and break it, Cornet Bosanquet, aged
18, height 5 feet 4 inches, strutted up with clanking heel, and, glancing
haughtily up at him, carried Julia off, like a steam-tug towing away some
fair schooner.
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