it, not pathetic--rather humorous than pathetic--a quality which annoyed
him to the point of rage, because it was so difficult to get away from.
She seemed to be having a "wonderful time!"

An unbearable soreness accumulated in his chest: his dislike of the girl
and her conduct increased until he thought of leaving this sickening
Assembly and going home to bed. That would show her! But just then
he heard her laughing, and decided that it wouldn't show her. So he
remained.

When the young couples seated themselves in chairs against the walls,
round three sides of the room, for the cotillion, George joined
a brazen-faced group clustering about the doorway--youths with no
partners, yet eligible to be "called out" and favoured. He marked that
his uncle placed the infernal Kinney and Miss Morgan, as the leading
couple, in the first chairs at the head of the line upon the leader's
right; and this disloyalty on the part of Uncle George was inexcusable,
for in the family circle the nephew had often expressed his opinion
of Fred Kinney. In his bitterness, George uttered a significant
monosyllable.

The music flourished; whereupon Mr. Kinney, Miss Morgan, and six of
their neighbours rose and waltzed knowingly. Mr. Amberson's whistle
blew;' then the eight young people went to the favour-table and were
given toys and trinkets wherewith to delight the new partners it was now
their privilege to select. Around the walls, the seated non-participants
in this ceremony looked rather conscious; some chattered, endeavouring
not to appear expectant; some tried not to look wistful; and others were
frankly solemn. It was a trying moment; and whoever secured a favour,
this very first shot, might consider the portents happy for a successful
evening.

Holding their twinkling gewgaws in their hands, those about to bestow
honour came toward the seated lines, where expressions became
feverish. Two of the approaching girls seemed to wander, not finding a
predetermined object in sight; and these two were Janie Sharon, and her
cousin, Lucy. At this, George Amberson Minafer, conceiving that he had
little to anticipate from either, turned a proud back upon the room and
affected to converse with his friend, Mr. Charlie Johnson.

The next moment a quick little figure intervened between the two. It was
Lucy, gaily offering a silver sleighbell decked with white ribbon.

"I almost couldn't find you!" she cried.

George stared, took her hand, led her