The fop winked at him, and then turned to me; while I sat shocked and astonished, but collecting all my powers.
'See,' said he, 'how you have fascinated every eye. Actually you are the queen-bee; with all your swarm about you.'
'And with my drone too,' said I, bowing slightly.
'Happy in being a drone,' said he, 'so he but sips of your honey.'
'Rather say,' cried I, 'that he deserves my sting.'
'Ah,' said he, laying his hand on his heart; 'your eyes have fixed a sting here.'
'Then your tongue,' returned I, 'is rather more innocent; for though it may have the venom of a sting, it wants the point.'
The company laughed, and he coloured.
'Do I tease you?' said he, trying to rally. 'How cruel! Actually I am so abashed, as you may see, that my modesty flies into my face.'
'Then,' said I, 'your modesty must be very hard run for a refuge.'