mirrors and the only music was the music of night-birds and crickets , and she danced .
Salome danced to mirror the loveliness of God ’ s creation , and it was as if the beauty of
the world had entered her limbs and hair and feet . Salome danced with the grace of a
dragonfly skating over the river , and when she had finished the applause rose and
resounded like thunder .
Her stepfather , beaming , waved his hands for silence , but it took many minutes
before the guests quieted enough so he could be heard .
‘ Friends ,’ he proclaimed . ‘ This dancer is my wife ’ s daughter , Salome . I believe
such talent deserves to be rewarded . What say you ?’
The guests roared approval .
‘ Salome ,’ her stepfather beamed . ‘ Ask me for whatever you want , and I will give it
to you .’
Salome stood mute , overwhelmed . At first nothing occurred to her , but then her
greatest desires began to surface . To be allowed to dance whenever she wished . To
never be given in marriage .