"Thank you," she answered, taking his arm.
Randolph took his place with her as head couple. Linton and
Annie Comray faced them. To Randolph's amazement, Luke and
Fanny Pratt took their places as one of the side couples.
Randolph, who was aware that Luke had never taken lessons,
remarked this with equal surprise and disgust. His lip curled
as he remarked to his partner: "Really, I didn't know that Luke
Larkin danced."
"Nor I," answered Florence.
"I am sorry he is in our set."
"Why?" asked Florence, regarding him attentively.
"He will probably put us out by his clownish performance."
"Wouldn't it be well to wait and see whether he does or not?"
responded Florence, quietly.
Randolph shrugged his shoulders.
"I pity his partner, at any rate," he said.
"I can't join in any such conversation about one of my guests,"
said Florence, with dignity.
Here the first directions were given, and the quadrille commenced.
Luke felt a little nervous, it must be confessed, and for
that reason he watched with unusual care the movements of the
head couples. He was quick to learn, and ordinarily cool and
self-possessed.
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