"Though one knows a Lady Mabel Grex, one may become acquainted with a Miss Boncassen."
There are moments in which stupid people say clever things, obtuse people say sharp things, and good-natured people say ill-natured things. "Lord Silverbridge," she said, "I did not expect that from you."
"Expect what? I meant it simply."
"I have no doubt you meant it simply. We Americans think ourselves sharp, but I have long since found out that we may meet more than our matches over here. I think we will go back. Mother means to try to get up a quadrille."
"You will dance with me?"
"I think not. I have been walking with you, and I had better dance with someone else."
"You can let me have one dance."
"I think not. There will not be many."
"Are you angry with me?"
"Yes, I am; there." But as she said this she smiled. "The truth is, I thought I was getting the better of you, and you turned round and gave me a pat on the head to show me that you could be master when it pleased you. You have defended your intelligence at the expense of your good-nature."