And we plunged afresh into the whirlpool, which carried us round with it.
This, as I have said, was the first time I danced with a woman; it was the first time I breathed a woman's perfumed breath, or felt her hair touch my cheeks; the first time my eyes had been riveted on bare shoulders or my arm had clasped a round, full, supple waist. I heaved a shuddering sigh of delight.
"Well? what is the matter with you?" my partner asked, looking at me with her Spanish eyes, which shone even through her lace mantilla.
I replied, while we waltzed on unceasingly: "It is far nicer to waltz with you than with a chair."
She escaped out of my arms this time, and went to sit near her friend.
"Well, what is the matter?" asked Laurence.
"Oh! my dear, he is so comic."
"It is strange he did not strike me in that light."
"That is because you did not waltz with him," she whispered. "I assure you I think him fascinating! Come on," she continued, placing herself of her own accord on my arm, "just one more turn."
I asked nothing better: and we resumed our places.