Since the important evening above described, the dancing-lessons had gone on regularly, and Anton, having got over the purgatory of the first introduction, began to feel perfectly at home.

Indeed, he became a useful member of the association, and was a pattern of assiduity and punctuality, and a striking contrast to Fink, who horrified the dancing-master by declaring that the _galop_ step was fitted for every and all dances alike, and by waltzing in the most eccentric orbits conceivable.
The fact was, Anton was so happy that his transfigured aspect struck both the young and the old ladies, confirming the former in their conviction that he was good and true-hearted, and the latter in theirs, that he was a prince in disguise.

He himself best knew the secret of his bliss.

Every thought of his loyal heart revolved around its absolute mistress.

All dances or conversations with others he looked upon as more flourishes surrounding her name; neither was he without his reward.