Besides, he knew that no one was likely to
criticize him except Randolph. He saw the latter regarding him
with a mocking smile, and this stimulated him to unusual carefulness.
The result was that he went through his part with quite as much
ease and correctness as any except the most practiced dancers.
Florence said nothing, but she turned with a significant smile to
Randolph. The latter looked disappointed and mortified. His mean
disposition would have been gratified by Luke's failure, but this
was a gratification he was not to enjoy.
The dance was at length concluded, and Luke, as he led his
partner to a seat, felt that he had scored a success.
"May I have the pleasure of dancing with you next time,
Florence?" asked Randolph.
"Thank you, but I should not think it right to slight my other
guests," said the young lady.
Just then Luke came up and preferred the same request. He would
not have done so if he had not acquitted himself well in the
first quadrille.
Florence accepted with a smile.
"I was not aware that dancing was one of your accomplishments,
Luke," she said.
"Nor I, till this evening," answered Luke.
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