"I never expected to have the pleasure of dining with Mrs. Tietjens to-night . . . That officer was celebrating his commission and I could not put him off. . . ." The general said: "Oh, ah! . . . Of course not. . . . I dare say . . ." and settled himself again in his chair. . . .
Tietjens was overwhelming her with his great bulk. She had still lost her breath. ... He stooped over and said: It was the luck of the half-drunk; he said:
"They're dancing in the lounge. . . ."
She coiled herself passionately into her wickerwork. It had dull blue cushions. She said:
"Not with anyone else. . . . I don't want any introductions. . . ." Fiercely! . . . He said:
"There's no one there that I could introduce you to. . . ."
She said:
"Not if it's a charity!"
He said:
"I thought it might be rather dull. . . . It's six months since I danced. . . ." She felt beauty flowing over all her limbs. She had a gown of gold tissue. Her matchless hair was coiled over her ears. . . She was humming Venusberg music: she knew music if she knew nothing else. . . .