Any young girl can imagine Amy 's state of mind when she ` took the stage ' that night , leaning on Laurie 's arm . She knew she looked well , she loved to dance , she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom , and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty , youth , and womanhood . She did pity the Davis girls , who were awkward , plain , and destitute of escort , except a grim papa and three grimmer maiden aunts , and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed , which was good of her , as it permitted them to see her dress , and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguished-looking friend might be . With the first burst of the band , Amy 's color rose , her eyes began to sparkle , and her feet to tap the floor impatiently , for she danced well and wanted Laurie to know it . Therefore the shock she received can better be imagined than described , when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone , `` Do you care to dance ? '' `` 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 XXXXX of the social season took possession of everyone , and Christmas merriment made all faces shine , hearts happy , and heels light .
May anger aunt boy color honor pleasure rest signs spirit