Sure enough there was a very big black B. F. written against every
other dance!
"Bill Farnsworth!" she exclaimed. "Well, if he hasn't a nerve! He
wants the earth!"
"And the sea, and all that in them is!" said Captain Sayre. "Look
here, Miss Fairfield, I'll be satisfied with the other five. Thus,
you're dividing your dances evenly, don't you see?"
"Nonsense! I'll agree to no such highway robbery! You may have a
dance, Captain Sayre,--take a waltz, if you like; and then give me
my card again. Do you want one, Jack?"
"DO I? Does a squirrel want nuts? Only one, Sea Spirit?"
"Yes, only one. It's such a short programme to-night."
"And is Big Bill to have five?"
"Indeed, no! I shall cross those all off but one."
Learning, somehow, of what was going on, most of the men at the
table began to beg Patty for a dance, and in a few moments her
card was filled.
She shook her head reprovingly at Farnsworth, who quite understood
the reason.
Supper over, the dancing began, and as it was a summer evening,
the dances alternated with cooling strolls on the long verandas of
the club house. Patty loved to dance, and greatly preferred good
dancers for partners.
Captain Sayre was especially proficient in the art, and as their
dance was followed by an "extra," he persuaded Patty to do a fancy
dance with him, like they had danced at the Sayres' garden party.
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