That earlier scene had brought to Winston a deeper realization of this girl's genius, a fresher appreciation of the true worth of her esteem.

No struggle of heart or head could ever again lower her in his secret thought to the common level.
The swinging strains of the dancer's accompaniment concluded with a blare of noisy triumph, the mad enthusiasts out in front wildly shouting her name above the frantic din of applause, while, flushed and panting, the agile Mexican dancer swept into the darkened wings like a scarlet bird.
"Ah, de Americana!" she exclaimed, her eyes yet blazing from excitement, poising herself directly in front of her silent watcher.
"Senorita, it ees not de same as yours--dey like you, si; but dey lofe Mercedes." Miss Norvell smiled gently, her gaze on the other's flushed, childish face, and extended her hand.
"There seems ample room for both of us," she replied, pleasantly, "yet your dancing is truly wonderful.

It is an art, and you must let me thank you." It is difficult to understand why, but the untamed, passionate girl, stung in some mysterious manner by these quietly spoken words of appreciation, instantly drew her slight form erect.
"You nevar forget you not one of us, do you ?" she questioned in sudden bitterness of spirit.

"Pah! maybe you tink I care what you like.

I dance because I lofe to; because it sets my blood on fire.