Clara happened to overhear these pleasing remarks, and five minutes after they were uttered she breathed them tenderly into Anna's ear. A scornful smile was all the answer she received; but the beauty was both pleased and annoyed, and awaited with redoubled interest the approach of the old friend, who was regarded in the light of a successful lover. But he seemed in no haste to claim his privileges, and dance after dance went by, while he sat talking with the old general or absently watching the human teetotums that spun about before him.
"I can't stand this another moment!" said Anna to herself, at last, and beckoned the recreant knight to approach, with a commanding gesture.
"Why don't you dance, sir?"
"I've forgotten how, ma'am."
"After all the pains I took with you when we had lessons together, years ago?"
"I've been too busy to attend to trifles of that sort."
"Elegant accomplishments are not trifles, and no one should neglect them who cares to make himself agreeable."
"Well, I don't know that I do care, as a general thing."
"You ought to care; and, as a penance for that rude speech, you must dance this dance with me. I cannot let you forget all your accomplishments for the sake of business; so I shall do my duty as a friend and take you in hand," said Anna, severely.
"You are very kind; but is it worth the trouble?"