My veins throbbed with anticipation--already was my arm about the slender waist, my eyes looking into her own.

For a dance with her, a possible understanding, I was willing to venture life itself.
I turned about and glanced at the Dragoon riding behind, half tempted to question him, but I refrained, not willing to make her the subject of camp-fire gossip.

It would be a more manly course to work this out myself, and surely I should meet officers at the ball who would gladly present me to the lady.

I should be compelled to attend in field uniform, yet circumstances would excuse that, and what little I had seen of her convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality.

The duty soldier was more apt to interest such a personality than any dandy on dress parade.