“Very likely I shall,” said Hamilton.
“I knew,” cried Crescenz, “I knew he did not really care for the ballet.”
“Excuse me, but I do care for the ballet, and I should care more for it if the dancers were prettier, and had not such thick ankles!”
“Smooth waters run deep,” said Major Stultz. “It is a pity, Crescenz, your mother did not hear that speech, she would hardly have believed her own ears!”
“Why not?” said Hamilton. “Do you mean to say that you do not, or did not formerly, like seeing a ballet and pretty women too?”
“We will not discuss this subject in the presence of the young ladies,” said Major Stultz.
“There is nothing to discuss,” said Hamilton, carelessly; “I like seeing pretty faces, and pretty ankles, and graceful figures, and I believe I am not singular in my taste; perhaps, however, you prefer the flowing hair which will be exhibited to-night. By-the-by, one girl has the very longest and thickest hair I ever saw. Have you not observed it?”
“Yes; Crescenz’s, however, is nearly as long, I should think,” replied Major Stultz, touching the thick plaits which were wound round the back of her head.
“She would make a charming ballet-dancer in every respect,” murmured Hamilton in French, while he laughingly glanced at her.
“What does he say?” asked Major Stultz, who observed that Crescenz blushed and smiled alternately. “What does he say?”