n brought up in the American way, they possessed that youthful
independence of spirit which is stifled in our own girls by a more
strict and formal education, on the false ground of the requirements of
modesty. Kondje-Gul, although rather reserved at first, expanded
gradually, and I was astonished at the change which had been effected in
her whole bearing. Certainly one could still guess that she was a
foreigner, but she had acquired quite a new ease in her deportment and
in her language. Being reassured by her behaviour against the risks of
this encounter, which I had at first so much dreaded, I freely accepted
the peculiar position in which I was placed. There was a positive charm
about this mystery, the pleasure of which I can hardly explain to you.

Although this was quite a small and friendly party, there were now
enough young people to get up a "hop," so the baroness instructed me to
lead off with Miss Suzannah, which I did very willingly, asking her for
a polka.

"What do you think of my friend Kondje-Gul?" she said to me, when we sat
down after a few turns.

"She is remarkably pretty," I replied.

"I suppose you'll ask her for a dance with you?" she continued, with a
smile.

"I shall certainly not fail in this duty to a friend of yours and Miss
Maud's!"

"Miss Maud and I thank you very much for the attention," she said, with
a ceremonious bow; "only," she added, smiling maliciously at me, "I must
prepare you for a disappointment, which you will, no doubt, feel very
much afflicted by--our friend does not dance!"

"What, never?"

"We have given several little parties at my father's rooms, and have
never been able to persuade her to."

"Ah! that's no doubt because she only knows her oriental dances."

"You're quite wrong there! She has taken lessons just as we have, and
waltzes splendidly; but she won't even dance with the professor; it's
always Maud or I who act as her partners. She has some principles on
this subject which appear to be rooted in her, and which we have not yet
succeeded in overcoming."

"If you would help me this evening," I said, "perhaps we can succeed
between us."

"What, is it to be a conspiracy?"

"Quite a friendly one, for you must admit that it is for her own
interest."

"I won't deny it," she replied, with a laugh; "but how are we to force
her?"

Then I noticed poor Kondje-Gul, who was watching us, and seemed to envy
us.

"Listen!" I said, as if a sudden idea had str