“No; it is of no consequence,” repeated the Little Dancer. But she felt unhappy.
The next day the Bicycle-man passed that way again, and she danced her very best, hoping to win his heart.
“That is really not bad,” he said; “not at all bad. You dance quite nicely, as dancing goes.”
“Oh sweetheart, I love you!” she said, encouraged by his praise.
“I really cannot stand such remarks,” said the Bicycle-man. “They make me both angry and confused.”
And he went on, leaving her in tears.
“Why do you trouble about him?” said the Little China Doll. “He is not worth it. A penny Toy, indeed! You turn his head. Take no more notice of him.”
“I won’t,” replied the Little Dancer tearfully.
So the next time he stopped to watch her dancing she did not speak to him.
“You are getting rude now,” he said. “I am not sure whether that is not worse than being forward.”