Mrs. Linceford told the "hummux" story to Marmaduke Wharne. The old man
laughed till the Thoresby party turned to see.
"But I like one thing," he said. "The woman was honest. Her 'black
alpacky' was most to her, and she owned up to it."
The regular thing being done, outside, the company drifted back, as the
shadows fell, to the parlor again. Mrs. Linceford's party moved also,
and drifted with the rest. Marmaduke Wharne, quite graciously, walked
after. The Lancers was just forming.
"The bear is playing tame and amiable," whispered Jeannie. "But he'll
eat you up, for all that. I wouldn't trust him. He's going to watch, to
see how wicked you'll be."
"I shall let him see," replied Leslie quietly.
"Miss Goldthwaite, you're for the dance to-night? For the 'bright and
kind and pleasant,' eh?" the "bear" said, coming to her side within the
room.
"If anybody asks me," answered Leslie, with brave simplicity. "I like
dancing--_very_ much."
"I'll find you a partner, then," said Mr. Wharne.
She looked up, surprised; but he was quite in earnest.
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