with auger. "I want to stop."

"And I could dance forever. That's the irony of it--that I cannot make
you. But if I had Drake's money, I'd make you."

"Do you think it is his money?"

"Perhaps not. But the world will think it."

"If--if he wanted me, I'd marry him if he were a beggar in the streets."

"Has it gone as far as that? But you wouldn't marry a beggar. A
troubadour beneath your balcony, yes. But not a beggar. You'd want
him silken and blond and singing, and staying at home while other men
fought--"

She stopped at once. "If you knew what you were talking about; I'd
never speak to you again. But because I was fool enough once to
believe that Derry Drake was a coward, I am going to forgive you. But
I shall not dance with you again; ever--"

Making her way back alone to the box, she saw with a throb of relief
that her father had joined Emily and Marion Gray.

He uttered a quick exclamation as she came up. "What's the matter,
daughter?"

Her throat was dry. "I can't tell you now--there are too many people.
It was Ralph. I hate him, Daddy."