"You've been extremely, attentive, but I, imagine some of the other men
are combining to thrash you, Jack," smiled Farnum, when Benson returned
to his friends.
"Mlle. Nadiboff is a very delightful young woman," Jack answered,
heartily. "I'm sorry you don't dance, Hal."
"If I were very sorry, I'd learn," rejoined Hastings, simply.
During the waltz and the number that followed Jack remained with his
friends, looking on.
Then Lieutenant Featherstone, feeling that the Navy must look to the
enjoyment of these strangers, came over to them.
"How many of you dance?" inquired the lieutenant.
"Two of us," answered Hal. "I don't."
"Mr. Farnum, I must introduce you to an agreeable partner," urged the
Navy officer. "Who shall it be? I know most of the ladies here."
"Don't think me a bear, Mr. Featherstone, but I don't believe I'll
dance to-night, though I thank you tremendously," replied the
shipbuilder.
"Then, Benson, you must uphold the honor of your party," laughed the
lieutenant, linking his arm in Jack's and drawing him forward.
Captain Benson's next dance was with a California girl; after that he
led out a jolly young woman from New York. As he left the latter
partner, Mlle. Nadiboff, on the arm of a gentleman, passed close enough
to murmur:
"Captain, you are neglecting me--and I have saved the next, a waltz,
for you.
Pages:
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49