After a while a drop of rain fell, then another, and at last a hard shower drove the party from the open air into the drawing-room; but the spirit of merriment had been aroused, and sitting down quietly was not to be thought of.

“Come, papa, lead out your war-horse to the front!” urged the general’s daughter; and the old gentleman good-naturedly seated himself at the piano and began thrumming the one, solitary piece he could play—­a lively galop.  Herr von Pohlen seized Fraulein von Bergen, Hans his sister, and the two couples went whirling through the mazes of the dance.

Carmen looked on with sparkling eyes; a bright flush of happiness colored her cheek, her little foot involuntarily beat time, and her lithe form swayed to and fro with a dreamy, rhythmical movement.

“Will you not dance also?” asked Alexander, close beside her.

“Oh, I would like to, above all things!” she replied with a lovely smile, her eyes still fixed on the dancers.  “How delightful it must be to whirl around so!”

“Will you not try it with me, Fraulein Carmen?” he urged pleadingly.

“I cannot dance; at least, not like that!” she returned, turning her beaming countenance towards him.

“Oh, it is very easily learned; just trust yourself to my guidance.  Put your hand on my shoulder, if you please, and with my arm I will hold you firmly as we move around;” saying which, he proceeded to put his arm about her waist.  But she drew back, and gave him a horrified look.  As yet, no man’s arm had encircled her—­except Brother Jonathan’s, during that one dreadful moment of her life.

“I cannot do it—­no, it is quite impossible!” she stammered.

“Then you must pardon me for making the attempt,” said Alexander, and bowed coolly.

“Refused!” whispered Pohlen, mockingly, when he stopped dancing, for he had seen Alexander’s defeat.

“Yes; but as she knows how to refuse, it is perhaps more to be appreciated than when others accept,” he replied.

When the family separated for the night, and Carmen had as usual given her hand to her hostess, Adele, and Hans, she hesitated a second, and then, with a burning blush mantling her cheek, extended her hand to Alexander.  Heretofore she had persistently avoided him; but to-day he had proved himself her friend and protector, and she felt that some reparation was due him for her rudeness in the past.

As she held out the little hand, and wished him “Good-night,” she gave him a pleading glance, as if to say, “Do not be angry with me!”

His countenance lighted up with surprise and pleasure.  Her eyes, so fascinating when flashing with indignation, now seemed irresistible when moistened by a gentler emotion; and as he looked into their dark, unfathomable depths, he felt as if he would like to gaze forever.  But her eyes fell before his ardent glance, and bowing low over the proffered hand, he kissed it respectfully, feeling as honored as if a queen had allowed him the privilege.