"I wish I could make the world one great ball-room for you," said
Jerry earnestly.
"Do ye?" asked Peg tremulously.
"I do."
"With you as me partner?"
"Yes"
"Dancin' every dance with me?"
"Every one"
"Wouldn't that be beautiful? An' no creepin' back afther it all like
a thief in the night?"
"No," replied Jerry. "Your own mistress, free to do whatever you
wished."
"Oh," she cried impulsively; "wouldn't that be wondherful!" Suddenly
she gave a little elfish chuckle and whispered:
"But half the fun to-night has been that I'm supposed to be sleepin'
across beyant there and HERE I am stalin' time" She crooned softly:
"'Sure the best of all WAYS to lengthen our DAYS,
Is to stale a few hours from the NIGHT, me dear.'"
"You've stolen them!" said Jerry softly.
"I'm a thief, sure!" replied Peg with a little laugh.
"You're the--the sweetest--dearest--" he suddenly checked himself.
His mother had come across to say "Good night" to Peg. In a few
moments his sisters joined them. They all pressed invitations on Peg
to call on them at "Noel's Folly" and with Mrs. Chichester's
permission, to stay some days.
Jerry got her cloak and just as they were leaving the hall the band
struck up again, by special request, and began to play a new French
waltz.
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