"Shall I flatter myself that even in the midst of the select party occupying my box you really missed me?"
"Certainly I missed you—all the more because some of them chattered, and you would have hushed the tattle."
"Am I so successful in the rôle of ogre as to over-awe my guests in an opera box?"
"Your quiet way of setting an example of good breeding is sometimes contagious among thoughtless people."
"My lucky star is surely ascending: you have paid me two compliments, and I am puzzled to know whether I shall be expected to balance my account at ad valorem rates on the basis of your assessment or mine?"
"Oh, you and I established free trade long ago, and I can always tell you the truth without pausing to weigh words as do legation attachés, and as father does when wily lobbyists intercept him on his way from committee rooms. Mr. Noel, had you any special reason for absenting yourself? The lovely lilac orchids were, of course, far more ornamental in your empty chair, and you must not think me lacking in appreciation because I am so tardy in thanking you for them."
"An unexpected change in the date of a lecture given by one of my friends kept me away, when I had hoped to join you. As I had promised to attend, there was no alternative when a belated note informed me that last night had been selected for its delivery."
"Tell me about it."
"If I should so afflict you, most certainly you would vote me a bore, or fall asleep in self-defence."
"When you say that, you know curiosity always covets the forbidden."