It was impossible to stand still , and one after the other the city folk yielded to the spell , Randal leading off with Ruth , Sophie swept away by Saul , and Emily being taken possession of by a young giant of eighteen , who spun her around with a boyish impetuosity that took her breath away . Even Aunt Plumy was discovered jigging it alone in the pantry , as if the music was too much for her , and the plates and glasses jingled gaily on the shelves in time to Money Musk and Fishers ' Hornpipe . A pause came at last , however , and fans fluttered , heated brows were wiped , jokes were made , lovers exchanged confidences , and every nook and corner held a man and maid carrying on the sweet game which is never out of fashion . There was a glitter of gold lace in the back entry , and a train of blue and primrose shone in the dim light . There was a richer crimson than that of the geraniums in the deep window , and a dainty shoe tapped the bare floor impatiently as the brilliant black eyes looked everywhere for the court gentleman , while their owner listened to the gruff prattle of an enamored boy . But in the upper hall walked a little white ghost as if waiting for some shadowy companion , and when a dark form appeared ran to take its arm , saying , in a tone of soft satisfaction , -- `` I was so afraid you would n't come ! '' `` Why did you leave me , Ruth ? '' answered a manly voice in a tone of surprise , though the small hand slipping from the velvet coat-sleeve was replaced as if it was pleasant to feel it there . A pause , and then the other voice answered demurely , -- `` Because I was afraid my head would be turned by the fine things you were saying . '' `` It is impossible to help saying what one feels to such an artless little creature as you are . It does me good to admire anything so fresh and sweet , and wo n't harm you . '' `` It might if -- '' `` If what , my daisy ? '' `` I believed it , '' and a laugh seemed to finish the broken sentence better than the words . `` You may , Ruth , for I do sincerely admire the most genuine girl I have seen for a long time . And walking here with you in your bridal white I was just asking myself if I should not be a happier man with a home of my own and a little wife hanging on my arm than drifting about the world as I do now with only myself to care for . '' `` I know you would ! '' and Ruth spoke so earnestly that Randal was both touched and startled , fearing he had ventured too far in a mood of unwonted sentiment , born of the romance of the hour and the sweet frankness of his companion . `` Then you do n't think it would be rash for some sweet woman to take me in hand and make me happy , since fame is a failure ? '' `` Oh , no ; it would be easy work if she loved you . I know some one -- if I only dared to tell her name . ''
`` Upon my soul , this is cool , '' and XXXXX looked down , wondering if the audacious lady on his arm could be shy Ruth .
Emily Hornpipe Musk Plumy Randal Saul coat-sleeve daisy prattle primrose