"Certainly you may, sir," she faltered forth, trembling with, a vague
delight.
"How much they enjoy themselves--do they not?" he asked, as he took the
seat and looked upon the dancers with a benevolent delight that
irradiated his fair, youthful countenance.
"Oh, indeed they do, sir," said Nora, unconsciously speaking more from
her own personal experience of present happiness than from her
observation of others.
I wish I could arrive at my majority every few weeks, or else have some
other good excuse for giving a great feast. I do so love to see people
happy, Nora. It is the greatest pleasure I have in the world."
"Yet you must have a great many other pleasures, sir; all wealthy people
must," said Nora, gaining courage to converse with one so amiable as she
found her young landlord.
"Yes, I have many others; but the greatest of all is the happiness of
making others happy. But why are you not among these dancers, Nora?"
"I was tired with my long walk up and down hill and dale. So I would not
join them this set."
"Are you engaged for the next?"
"No, sir."
"Then be my partner for it, will you?"
"Oh, sir!" And the girl's truthful face flashed with surprise and
delight.
"Will you dance with me, then, for the next set?"
"Yes, sir, please."
"Thank you, Nora. But now tell me, did you recollect me as well as I
remembered you?"
"No, sir."
"But that is strange; for I knew you again the instant I saw you."
"But, sir, you know I was but a baby when you went away?"
"That is true."
"But how, then, did you know me again?" she wonderingly inquired.
"Easily enough. Though you have grown up into such a fine young woman,
your face has not changed its character, Nora. You have the same broad,
fair forehead and arched brows; the same dark gray eyes and long lashes;
the same delicate nose and budding mouth; and the same peculiar way of
smiling only with your eyes; in a word--but pardon me, Nora, I forgot
myself in speaking to you so plainly. Here is a new set forming already.
Your sister and her partner are going to dance together again; shall we
join them?" he suddenly inquired, upon seeing that his direct praise, in
which he had spoken in ingenuous frankness, had brought the blushes
again to Nora's cheeks.