"You like me better than you will acknowledge, Miss Wycherly."
"If that is all you can amuse me with, we might as well join the dancing," said Miss Wycherly. "But stay, I cannot; I have just declined Mr. Vyvyan."
"What is Mr. Vyvyan to you or me? the set is nearly completed, and we shall be too late." Mr. Spottiswoode offered his arm to his fair companion.
"No, I shall not dance to-night," said the capricious lady, rising and reseating herself. "My mind is changed."
"So is mine; I am going to flirt a little with Lady Anna Herbert. Chatting is far more agreeable than dancing, in a heated room. Lady Anna has smiled good-naturedly twice. I am glad you had the good taste to decline."
"I said I should not dance, but I did not say I would not talk, Mr. Spottiswoode; how very anxious you are to take up one's meaning." Mr. Spottiswoode only bowed to retire. Miss Wycherly softened the pettishness of her accent.
"Do stay, Mr. Spottiswoode, I have something particular to ask you; you flurry one with your rapidity."
Mr. Spottiswoode sat down. "I am all attention, Miss Wycherly."
"How can you look so cross at me, and speak in such dry tones, Charles Spottiswoode! I hate cross people."