help thatPeter was taller than him and they made a somewhat comical picture, afact of which Louis was certainly aware.Afterevery boy in the ballroom had completed his steps more or lesssuccessfully, Mr. Gill made them do it all together, all the waythrough, twice, before at last adding the actual waltz portion in athird run-through. As they spun around their square of floor, Henryexulted in the feeling of freedom, lightness and daring that thedance brought to him. Martin was in his arms, in front of a room fullof boys always ready to jeer at any hint of queerness, yet no one sawanything untoward and he could enjoy himself without worry. If onlyhe could kiss Martin, all would be perfect!Whenthey were finished for the day, Mr. Gill made them stand and waitwhile he called out three pairs, including Henry and Martin, ashaving done an especially good job, and Henry flushed with pride.Afterclass, Louis did not bother to temper his resentment. As they stoodaround the cloakroom changing their shoes, he said, Well, you'rethe last person I expected to be teacher's pet, he remarked,considering how you do at regularschool.Henrybristled. Hey, now! That's uncalled-for!Albertchimed in with his opinion. Oh, come on! You're just jealous,Louis, because my sister prefersDon't!Henry held out a hand to stay Albert's words. That's enough,Albert.Idon't need yousticking up for me, Louis grumped. He looked down at the back ofPeter's head, gave it a light rap with his knuckles. Aren't youdone there yet?Yes,Sir. Peter stood, brushing off his knees. Laces tied, Sir.Martinstood, too, and let the back of his hand stay in contact with Henry'sjust a moment longer than accidental. You're ready, too, Sir.Theyall took the omnibus home. There weren't enough seats for all themasters to sit, so Henry stood with the slaves, Martin's body swayingagainst his as they rolled through the corners. Louis got off withHenry at the stop half a block from the Blackwell house.Listen,Henry, what I said before... Louis began. I'm sorry I was crosswith you.Henryshrugged, embarrassed. It's all right.Albert'sright, you know. I'm mad because Abigail likes you.I'msorry, Henry offered helplessly. If I could, I'd make herchange her mind.Louisgave him a sharp, critical look. You really don't like her, even alittle?Henryshook his head. No. I guess I'm not really interested in girls.He cringed a little inside; he had not meant to say it quite sobluntly.ButLouis let this pass without remark. She's definitely the prettiestgirl in that entire group, at least to my eye. And she's very modern,not at all afraid to talk to boys. If not her,which one do you like?Extremelyuncomfortable with this line of talk, Henry squirmed a little. Oh,I don't know. There are some pretty ones, I guess.Theystopped in front of the Blackwell gate. See you tomorrow, Louis.G'bye,Henry. Louis walked off with an air of defeat, his shouldersslumped. Henry watched him a moment, wishing he could make Abigailsee all of his friend's good qualities.Thedancing lesson went long, Sir, Martin reminded him in a low voice.Lets hurry inside so we can have sex before my dinner.Yes,Henry said in quick agreement. Let's go in.WhileMartin was eating his dinner, Henry lay on the