He asked her to waltz.

That tremulous expression on Natasha's face, prepared either for despair or rapture, suddenly brightened into a happy, grateful, childlike smile.

"I have long been waiting for you," that frightened happy little girl seemed to say by the smile that replaced the threatened tears, as she raised her hand to Prince Andrew's shoulder.

They were the second couple to enter the circle.

Prince Andrew was one of the best dancers of his day and Natasha danced exquisitely.