"Does it matter more now, Sir Henry?"
"Well, if it would entail no great regret, I would rather that you did not dance. It is all very nice for girls."
"You do not mean to say that married women—"
"I do not mean to say anything of the kind. One man has one idea, and another another. Some women also are not placed in so conspicuous a position as you are."
"Why did you not tell me your wishes before?"
"It did not occur to me. I did not think it probable that you would dance. May I understand that you will give it up?"
"As you direct me to do so, of course I shall."
"Direct! I do not direct, I only request."
"It is the same thing, exactly. I will not dance again. I should have felt the prohibition less had I been aware of your wishes before I had offended."
"Well, if you choose to take it in that light, I cannot help it. Good-morning. I shall not dine at home to-day."