Rene de Ronville before long broke rudely into their selfish dream
and led Alice into the house. This reminded Beverley of his social
duty, wherefore seeing little Adrienne Bourcier he made a rush and
secured her at a swoop from the midst of a scrambling circle of
mutually hindered young men.
"Allons, ma petite!" he cried, quite in the gay tone of the
occasion, and swung her lightly along with him.
It was like an eagle dancing with a linnet, or a giant with a
fairy, when the big Lieutenant led out la petite Adrienne, as
everybody called her. The honor of Beverley's attention sat
unappreciated on Adrienne's mind, for all her thoughts went with
her eyes toward Rene and Alice. Nor was Beverley so absorbed in
his partner's behalf that he ever for a moment willingly lost
sight of the floating buff gown, the shining brown hair and the
beautiful face, which formed, indeed, the center of attraction for
all eyes.
Father Beret was present, sharing heartily in the merriment of his
flock. Voices greeted him on all sides with intonations of tender
respect. The rudest man there was loyal to the kind-hearted
priest, and would as soon have thought of shooting him as of
giving him any but the most reverent attention. It is to be noted,
however, that their understanding of reverence included great
freedom and levity not especially ecclesiastical in its nature.
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