That, like hop-tendrils, spreads itself on high.

, madam, reverently bare my head

To the ball queen; a child of beauty she—

And the ideal’s golden woof is spread

In ball-rooms, hardly in the nursery.

Mrs. Halm [with suppressed bitterness].

Your conduct, sir, is easily explained;

A plighted lover cannot be a friend;

That is the kernel of the whole affair;

I have a very large experience there.