"
As soon as the dance was over Captain O'Connor strolled up with his
partner to the spot where Miss Tabitha was fanning herself violently,
Ralph standing helplessly alongside.
"That was a charming dance, Miss Regan. You surpassed yourself. Let me
recommend a slight refreshment; will you allow me to offer you my arm?
Miss Regan, allow me to introduce my brother-officer, Mr. Conway."
Ralph, who had not caught the name, bowed to the girl thus left
suddenly beside him and offered her his arm.
"Why, you look warm already, Mr. Conway," she began.
"Warm is no word for it," Ralph said bluntly. "Did you see that
wonderful old lady I have been dancing with?"
"That is my aunt, Mr. Conway; but she is rather wonderful all the
same."
Ralph had thought before that he was as hot as it was possible for a
man to be; but he found now that he was mistaken.
"I beg your pardon," he stammered. "I did not catch your name; but of
course I oughtn't to have said anything."
"I wonder you didn't see the likeness," the girl said demurely. "My
aunt considers there is a great likeness between us."
"I am sure I cannot see it the least bit in the world," Ralph said
emphatically; "not the smallest. But I hope you forgive me for that
unfortunate remark; but the fact is, I felt a little bewildered at the
time. I am not much of a dancer, and your aunt is really so energetic
that I had to exert myself to the utmost to keep up with her.
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