"
"That doesn't matter; I'll teach you."
"Really, now, I can't make a spectacle of myself."
"Nobody wants you to. We'll practise out here in the loggia. Come
ahead!"
He was seized by two small, determined hands and drawn this way and
that, apparently without the slightest method.
"But I haven't the vaguest idea what to do with my feet," he protested
helplessly.
"Don't do anything with them; let them do something with you. Shut your
eyes and listen to the music; let it get into your bones, and the first
thing you know you will be doing it."
With British solemnity Percival closed his eyes and tried to feel the
music. Suddenly he was aware that he was moving in rhythm to the
insistent beat of the drum.
"That's it!" cried Bobby, excitedly. "You are doing the Grape-Vine; let
yourself go. That's it!"
So intent was he upon keeping out of time instead of in it, that he
was guided from the loggia into the ball-room before he knew it. His
awakening came when a firm hand was laid upon his shoulder. He stopped
indignantly. The ship's doctor had not only arrested the development of
his new-found talent, but was actually dancing off with his partner!
"Most unwarrantable impertinence!" he stormed to the Scotchman, whom he
joined at the door. "Clapped me on the shoulder quite as if I had been
under suspicion for felony. Almost expected to hear him say, 'My man,
you're wanted.' I shall demand satisfaction of the cub the instant the
dance is over.
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