Duane, you _must_ try to remember! _Everybody_ will be watching us." And as her quick ear caught the preliminary bars of the ancient and stately measure: "It's the Menuet d'Exaudet," she said hurriedly; "listen, I'll instruct you as we move; I'll sing it under my breath to the air of the violins," and, her hand in his, she took the first slow, dainty step in the old-time dance, humming the words as they moved forward: "Gravement Noblement On s'avance; On fait trois pas de cote Deux battus, un jete Sans rompre la cadence----" Then whispered, smiling: "You are quite perfect, Duane; keep your head level, dear: "Chassez Rechassez En mesure! Saluez-- Gravement Noblement On s'avance Sans rompre la cadence.
"Quite perfect, my handsome cavalier! Oh, we are doing it most beautifully"-- with a deep, sweeping reverence; then rising, as he lifted her finger-tips: "You are stealing the rest of my heart," she said.
"Our betrothal dance," he whispered.

"Shall it be so, dear ?" They looked at each other as though they stood there alone; the lovely old air of the Menuet d'Exaudet seemed to exhale from the tremulous violins like perfume floating through the woods; figures of masked dancers passed and repassed them through the orange-tinted glow; there came a vast rustle of silk, a breezy murmur, the scented wind from opening fans, the rattle of swords, and the Menuet d'Exaudet ended with a dull roll of kettle-drums.
A few minutes later he had her in his arms in a deliciously wild waltz, a swinging, irresponsible, gipsy-like thing which set the blood coursing and pulses galloping.
Every succeeding dance she gave to him.

Now and then a tiny cloud of powder-dust floated from her hair; a ribbon from her shoulder-knot whipped his face; her breath touched his lips; her voice, at intervals, thrilled and caressed his ears, a soft, breathless voice, which mounting exaltation had made unsteadily sweet.
"You know--dear--I'm dancing every dance with you--in the teeth of decency, the face of every convention, and defiance of every law of hospitality.

I belong to my guests." And again: "Do you know, Duane, there's a sort of a delicious madness coming over me.

I'm all trembling under my skin with the overwhelming happiness of it all.