Mildred, promenading with her partner on the piazza after the dance, passed them sitting near the water where one could see, down the curve of the lake, the fireworks of the White City bursting in starry brilliance. Far out upon Michigan’s breast shone a row of steady lights, beside which, as on a liquid boulevard, the illuminated passenger-boats plied up and down.
Van Tassel was playing with his companion’s fan, and laughing as though he were well entertained, at the moment Mildred passed by.
"It is all my monumental vanity," she thought. "I am glad Jack isn’t one of the sort of men who stand around in corners and watch one tragically."
She had danced several times when Clover, left near her by Gorham Page while he went to bring her a glass of water, addressed her.
"You haven’t danced with Jack once," she said, with hasty reproach.
"Haven’t I?" Mildred raised her eyebrows.
Clover stared, then turned away to smile. She had not often seen Mildred in such an ill-humor.
"Poor, dear, unconscious Petruchio," she reflected. "I wonder if he is building better than he knows."
Here Page returned with the water, and she could say no more, even if she wished. Moreover, Gorham now addressed Mildred, to claim the dance for which the strains of the Washington Post March were already sounding assertively.
Jack had this two-step with Hilda, and when it was over he brought her to a seat near those which Mildred and Gorham had taken on the piazza.
"Mildred," remarked Hilda, "this young man does know how to dance."
Van Tassel bowed until the parting in his hair was visible.
"That is nice," returned Miss Bryant languidly.
"The fireworks are over," continued Hilda. "That awful word ’nevermore’ is hanging over everything for me to-night. I meant to be out here to see the last piece, but I wasn’t,—that superb volcano, or mine, or whatever name they try to describe it by. I want you all to think of me with compassion every time you see it hereafter. Where do you suppose Robert is?"
"Perhaps I ought to know," suggested Gorham. "I will hunt him up if you will allow me, Miss Mildred."
"I’ll go with you," said Mrs. Page. "It is rather cool here to sit still after dancing. You will excuse me, Jack? I think I ought to let poor Robert off now, and take him home."