There had been some girlish mischief, but more excitement in it.

Now, would he take his revenge?
Her heart beat fast.

She had never yet danced with him.

To-night she would feel his arm round her in the convention of the waltz.

And she knew that for her it would be no convention; but something either to be passionately accepted--or impatiently endured.
* * * * * Oxford went early to the Marmion ball.