" "I am afraid of mixing the figures," Pierre replied; "but if you will be my teacher..." And lowering his big arm he offered it to the slender little girl.

While the couples were arranging themselves and the musicians tuning up, Pierre sat down with his little partner.

Natasha was perfectly happy; she was dancing with a grown-up man, who had been abroad.

She was sitting in a conspicuous place and talking to him like a grown-up lady.