"Hello, Dr. Crane. Ready for our next dance lesson?" Daphne asked when he answered the door.

"You're right on time, Daphne. Come on in." He gestured behind him. When it became clear that one lesson would never be enough, Niles had quickly suggested that they rehearse at his place rather than his father's. He claimed he didn't want to disturb his father, but in reality it was he who did not want to be disturbed. This time alone with Daphne was a gift.

Daphne entered the apartment. "Well, shall we get started?" She walked over to his expensive CD player and prepared to put a disc in.

"I'm not so sure about these lessons. I've done some thinking, and I'm really not very good. I'm afraid I'm just wasting your time."

Instantly, Daphne put the down the CD she'd been about to play. She walked over to him. "Hush." She put a finger on his lips. "Don't think. Just feel. Daphne won't let anything happen to you."

The heat of her finger on his lips made Niles feel as if his mouth were on fire. How was it possible for her to be unaware of what she did to him? He watched as she went back to the CD player. Wordlessly she inserted the disc, and suddenly there was a strong beat in the air. Niles could feel it deep in his heart. Within seconds she was in front of him. "Now, shall we dance?"

Niles stood there, frozen, uncertain of what to do.

"You're supposed to hold me, Dr. Crane."

"Right," Niles said nervously. He took her hand and slipped his other arm around her waist, but he made no move to bring her closer.

"No, Dr. Crane. Hold me like you love me, like I'm the most important person in the world to you. Can you do that?"

Niles swallowed hard and nodded. He pulled her closer. They were now cheek to cheek. The feeling was wonderful.

"That's better. Now, follow my lead, and everything will be just fine."

Just as she'd asked, Niles forgot everything and concentrated on this moment. Before he knew it, he was moving as if he'd danced all his life. He danced and twirled so that he would've put Fred Astaire to shame.

All too soon, the lesson was over. Daphne happened to glance at a clock on Dr. Crane's wall. It was nearly 11:30. "I'd better be getting back. Your father'll be wondering what's happened to me."

"Of course," Niles said, unable to hide his disappointment. "Thank you again for all of this. It's something I could've never...well, all I can say is thank you!"

Daphne smiled. "Well, I'm enjoying it as well! Since I came here to America, I haven't had many chances to do things like this. I'd almost forgotten how to dance altogether!" She laughed.

The sound of her laughter made Niles feel even lighter than he had moments ago. Before he could think about what he was doing, he heard himself speaking. "Daphne, would you like to go to the Ball with me?"

Daphne was stunned by the question. "What about your friend Ms. Nash?"

"I don't think she can make it to the Ball." He sniffled in hopes of avoiding the nosebleed he knew would come. Marjorie had in fact called him this afternoon to tell him she was looking forward to the Ball, and that she'd bought a new gown for the occasion.

"Oh, well, that's too bad," Daphne said. "Are you sure there isn't someone else you'd rather ask?" She knew there had to be plenty of other high-society women who'd love to go with him.

"No, there isn't. Would you like to go?"

"Well, all right, I believe I would." Daphne still couldn't believe this was happening.

"Wonderful."

Daphne smiled. "I really must be going."

"Of course," Niles replied. He took her hand, kissing the back of it. "I'll see you at the Ball, then."

With a nod and one last smile, Daphne walked away.

For a long moment, Niles stood in the doorway, just staring at the place where she'd been. What had just happened here? But slowly, his mind began to clear, and he knew what he needed to do. He went back inside and picked up the phone. He dialed the number. "Hello, Marjorie? I'm afraid I'm going to have to break our date."