I 've taught you the steps a dozen times.

I 'm going to begin with a redowa, because the girls like it, and it 's better fun than square dances.

Now, put on your gloves, and go and ask Polly like a gentleman." "Oh, thunder!" muttered Tom.

And having split the detested gloves in dragging them on, he nerved himself for the effort, walked up to Polly, made a stiff bow, stuck out his elbow, and said, solemnly, "May I have the pleasure, Miss Milton ?" He did it as much like the big fellows as he could, and expected that Polly would be impressed.

But she was n't a bit; for after a surprised look she laughed in his face, and took him by the hand, saying, heartily, "Of course you may; but don't be a goose, Tommy." "Well, Fan told me to be elegant, so I tried to," whispered Tom, adding, as he clutched his partner with a somewhat desperate air, "Hold on tight, and we 'll get through somehow." The music struck up, and away they went; Tom hopping one way and Polly the other, in a most ungraceful manner.
"Keep time to the music," gasped Polly.
"Can't; never could," returned Tom.
"Keep step with me, then, and don't tread on my toes," pleaded Polly.
"Never mind; keep bobbing, and we 'll come right by and by," muttered Tom, giving his unfortunate partner a sudden whisk, which nearly landed both on the floor.
But they did not "get right by and by"; for Tom, In his frantic efforts to do his duty, nearly annihilated poor Polly.