"They are forming a dance," he said, pressing forward impatiently to claim his partner. "If we don't take our places we shall be too late.""Stop! stop!" cried the Major. "There is a time for everything, and this is the time for presenting my dear friend here, Mr. Percy Linwood. He is like me, Miss Charlotte--_he_ has been struck by your glorious simplicity, and _he_ wants words." At this part of the presentation, he happened to look toward the irate Captain, and instantly gave him a hint on the subject of his temper. "I say, Arthur Bervie! we are all good-humored people here. What have you got on your eyebrows? It looks like a frown;and it doesn't become you. Send for a skilled waiter, and have it brushed off and taken away directly!""May I ask, Miss Bowmore, if you are disengaged for the next dance?" said Percy, the moment the Major gave him an opportunity of speaking.
"Miss Bowmore is engaged to _me_ for the next dance," said the angry Captain, before the young lady could answer.
"The third dance, then?" Percy persisted, with his brightest smile.
