Barely a minute later the conductor appeared at his desk, and the first notes of the music rose low and plaintive, introducing the third dance.
"Percy, my boy!" cried the Major, recognizing the melody, "you're in luck's way--it's going to be a wa ltz!"Almost as he spoke, the notes of the symphony glided by subtle modulations into the inspiriting air of the waltz. Percy claimed his partner's hand. Miss Charlotte hesitated, and looked at her mother.
"Surely you waltz?" said Percy.
"I have learned to waltz," she answered, modestly; "but this is such a large room, and there are so many people!""Once round," Percy pleaded; "only once round!"Miss Bowmore looked again at her mother. Her foot was keeping time with the music, under her dress; her heart was beating with a delicious excitement; kind-hearted Mrs. Bowmore smiled and said: "Once round, my dear, as Mr. Linwood suggests."In another moment Percy's arm took possession of her waist, and they were away on the wings of the waltz!