see Lord Ruthven standing at her side.

"I was miles away from you at dinner," he said, "but now there is an
opportunity, let us begin our lessons in English at once."

"Do," said Patty, smiling; "where shall be our classroom?"

"We'll pre-empt this sofa," said Lord Ruthven, indicating, as he spoke, a
gold-framed Louis XIV. tete-a-tete. "We'll pretend that it is a real
schoolroom, with four walls hung with maps and charts--just such as you
used to have when you were a little girl."

Patty smiled at this reference to her far-away school-days, but fell in
with his mood.

"Yes," she said, "and you must be the stern schoolmaster, and I the
stupid pupil who has been kept in after school."

But their merry game was interrupted by Lady Herenden's invitation to the
ballroom.

Escorted by Lord Ruthven, Patty followed the others to the great hall
where they were to dance.

It was a resplendent apartment, with balconies and boxes, from which the
spectators could look down upon the dancers. A fine orchestra furnished
the music, and Patty, who loved to dance, found her feet involuntarily
keeping time to the harmonious strains.

"Shall we have a try?" said Lord Ruthven, and in a moment they were
gliding over the smooth floor.

Patty already knew that English dancing is not like the American steps,
but she was so completely mistress of the art, that she could adapt
herself instantly to any variation.

"I won't compliment your dancing," said the Earl, as the waltz was
finished, "for you must have been told so often how wonderfully well you
dance. But I must tell you what a pleasure it is to dance with you."

Patty thought this a very pretty speech, and graciously gave his lordship
some other dances for which he asked, and then, leaving her with Lady
Herenden, he excused himself and went away. Then Patty was besieged with
would-be partners. Her dancing had called forth the admiration of
everybody, and the young men crowded about, begging to see her
dance-card.

Only Mr. Merivale stood aloof. He was still sulky, and he looked so like
a cross schoolboy that Patty took pity on him.

She slightly nodded her head at him by way of invitation, and he came
slowly toward her.

"Which two do you want?" she said, demurely.

Merivale's face lighted up. "You are indeed kind," he said, in a low
voice. "I will take any you will give me. My card is blank as yet."

So Patty arranged the dances, and the young man went away looking mu