“The first dance is with me, and the last one.”
“Oh, no! I am in a mood of ingratitude to-night. I cannot for the favour of this dress, and all its valuable accessories, even say ‘Thank you.’ Find me a partner for the dance that’s just beginning. No one has come near me since I came.”
“The first dance is with me.”
“Indeed, no. I’m entering on a life of self-denial. As soon as I want to do a thing I shall cross myself and do the opposite. What chance shall I stand of heaven, do you think, at that rate?”
“You’ll never get there. Be guided by me, and be less contrary.”
“It goes very much against the grain for me to dance with you. Must I be consistent, or must I be contrary?”
“Become impersonal, and leave the decision with me.”
“You are too selfish to be altogether trusted.”
“I? Selfish?”
“Yes. I want to dance, and here you keep me talking. I want to study men and form comparisons.”