I had gained a place by her side, early in the evening.

She seemed pleased, I thought, at our meeting; but was reserved in conversation--too reserved it struck me.

I tried to lead her out, but she answered my remarks briefly, and with what I thought an embarrassed manner.

I could not hold her eyes--they fell beneath mine whenever I looked into her face.

She was evidently ill at ease.
Thus it was, when this self-confident Leon Dexter came sweeping up to us with his grand air, and carried her off to the piano.