But, now, have you saved me a
dance?"
"You do not deserve one," she said, all the irritation melting beneath
the magic of his smile and the music of his voice.
"It's a mercy," he retorted lightly, "that one does not get all one's
deserts in this world!"
"I saved you the next," she said, giving him her programme. "You see, I
am as foolishly forgiving as ever."
"You are gracious and sweet!" he murmured in her ear. "How could you
ever be otherwise?"
The soft phrase passed unreproved.
"You have been down to Barminster again?" she inquired.
"Yes," he replied, as he settled himself more comfortably.
"You have been very attentive to your father lately," she said a little
suspiciously; "I thought filial affection was not the Leroys' strong
point."
"Nor is it," he said with a laugh; "but it is business, my dear Eveline,
odious business, into which Jasper inveigles me."
"I thought Mr. Vermont was the new machine that was to save you
trouble?"
"Yes, that's what I thought," was the languid reply. "But one has to
turn the handle, even of machines. There are signatures, and leases, and
Heaven knows what besides.
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