romp and wrestle in public, and call it waltzing, I must stand firm till
they return to their senses."

Julia looked at Alfred despondently. He took his cue and said with a
smile, "Well, perhaps it is a little rompy; a donkey's gallop and then
twirl her like a mop."

"Since you admit that, perhaps you can waltz properly?" said Mrs. Dodd.

Alfred said he ought; he had given his whole soul to it in Germany last
Long.

"Then I can have the pleasure of dropping the tyrant. Away with you both
while there is room to circulate."

Alfred took his partner delicately; they made just two catlike steps
forward, and melted into the old-fashioned waltz.

It was an exquisite moment. To most young people Love comes after a great
deal of waltzing. But this pair brought the awakened tenderness and
trembling sensibilities of two burning hearts to this their first
intoxicating whirl. To them, therefore, everything was an event,
everything was a thrill--the first meeting and timid pressure of their
hands, the first delicate enfolding of her supple waist by his strong arm
but trembling hand, the delightful unison of their unerring feet, the
movement, the music, the soft delicious whirl, her cool breath saluting
his neck, his ardent but now liquid eyes seeking hers tenderly, and
drinking them deep, hers that now and then sipped his so sweetly--all
these were new and separate joys, that linked themselves in one soft
delirium of bliss. It was not a waltz it was an Ecstasy.