Ancella and Emelie are best friends. Together, they played games in the ash-key wing of Tanqueray Manor. This was where ancient Aunt Zerenity told them about the dance called Kiss-in-the-Dark. It sounded romantic and not at all proper, but Ancella and Emelie never expected to dance it themselves.

Years later, Ancella is being courted by Pomeroy Harcourt. After his amazing New Year gift to her, she has almost decided to accept his proposal if he ever gets around to making it. Why not? Her family likes him. So does her dog, Glory. Emelie seems less than impressed, but at the New Year ball Emelie arrives with a handsome beau of her own. The scene is set for a night of romance, music, annoying brothers, misunderstandings and the late Aunt Zerenity's desire that the young folk should dance Kiss-in-the-Dark.