`` One usually does at a ball . '' Her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible . `` I meant the first dance . May I have the honor ? '' `` I can give you one if I put off the Count . He dances devinely , but he will excuse me , as you are an old friend , '' said Amy , hoping that the name would have a good effect , and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with . `` Nice little boy , but rather a short Pole to support ... A daughter of the gods , Devinely tall , and most devinely fair , '' was all the satisfaction she got , however . The set in which they found themselves was composed of English , and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillion , feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantella with relish . Laurie resigned her to the ` nice little boy ' , and went to do his duty to Flo , without securing Amy for the joys to come , which reprehensible want of forethought was properly punished , for she immediately engaged herself till supper , meaning to relent if he then gave any signs penitence . She showed him her ball book with demure satisfaction when he strolled instead of rushed up to claim her for the next , a glorious polka redowa . But his polite regrets did n't impose upon her , and when she galloped away with the Count , she saw Laurie sit down by her aunt with an actual expression of relief . That was unpardonable , and Amy took no more notice of him for a long while , except a word now and then when she came to her chaperon between the dances for a necessary pin or a moment 's rest . Her anger had a good effect , however , for she hid it under a smiling face , and seemed unusually blithe and brilliant . Laurie 's eyes followed her with pleasure , for she neither romped nor sauntered , but danced with spirit and grace , making the delightsome pastime what it should be . He very naturally fell to studying her from this new point of view , and before the evening was half over , had decided that ` little Amy was going to make a very charming woman ' . It was a lively scene , for soon the spirit of the social season took possession of everyone , and Christmas merriment made all faces shine , hearts happy , and heels light . The musicians fiddled , tooted , and banged as if they enjoyed it , everybody danced who could , and those who could n't admired their neighbors with uncommon warmth . The air was dark with Davises , and many Joneses gamboled like a flock of young giraffes . The golden secretary darted through the room like a meteor with a dashing French-woman who carpeted the floor with her pink satin train . The serene Teuton found the supper-table and was happy , eating steadily through the bill of fare , and dismayed the garcons by the ravages he committed .
But the Emperor 's friend covered himself with glory , for he XXXXX everything , whether he knew it or not , and introduced impromptu pirouettes when the figures bewildered him .
banged come danced dashing made punished shine showed want went