'it isn't to earn my salvation that I want to
keep clear of the world; it is because I have had that given to me
already, and I want to show my love to the Saviour by my life. I do
love Him, and I am so afraid of a whirl of gaiety spoiling the
communion I have with Him day by day.'

Miss Graham looked at me in astonishment, and was about to speak, when
Violet came back, and we changed the conversation. I do not know how
it was that I spoke so openly to Miss Graham, for I generally found it
very difficult to express my thoughts to any one; but I seemed to have
been led into it, and as we walked back in the cool of the evening I
just put up a prayer that she might be made to see things differently.

I was rather relieved to hear that General and Mrs. Forsyth were dining
out that night. Perhaps their absence accounted for the extra gaiety
of our party; I had never seen Constance and Nelly so full of spirits,
and Kenneth and Captain Gates seemed bent upon having 'a real good time
of it,' as they expressed it. Hugh kept them a little in check at
dinner; but when they joined us in the drawing-room afterwards, I saw
they meant to be as good as their word.

Constance sat down to the piano and began playing some waltzes, and
then Captain Gates sprang up. 'Here, Kenneth, give me a hand; we will
move some of these obstacles, and have a dance.'

In a few minutes, chairs had been piled up one on top of the other in a
corner, tables and couches pushed to the side, and a clear space left
in the middle of the room.

Hugh made his exit in disgust, saying, 'I think it is a romp, not a
dance, that you are wanting!'

And Mr. Stroud, a quiet little man, said protestingly, 'I think you
will find it very warm work in here; would you not rather take a stroll
by the river, Miss Forsyth?'

Constance shook her head, and continued playing, and then, before I
knew where I was, Nelly seized hold of me and, whirling me round,
waltzed away. I could not help enjoying it; I had always loved dancing
at school, so without a thought I gave myself up to it; and when
Captain Gates stopped us, declaring that he would not waltz with
Kenneth, and we must make a speedy exchange, I made no objection. I
danced with him and with Kenneth afterwards, and then took Constance's
place at the piano, to let her have a turn.

When we were all tired out and were resting Kenneth said,--

'I think we are in good form for the Walkers' wind-up now. What do yo