"Now," continued he, "as I can see but one, I recognise but one jailor, and you will be merciful, remembering my voluntary incarceration. And as a starting-point to the conversation, why are you not in the other room?"
"For the simple reason that no one has invited me to dance."
He looked surprised, yet pleased at her frankness. "You would go, if you received an invitation?"
"That would depend upon circumstances. I should assuredly decline one from you."
"And why?"
"I would not accept of anything offered in obedience to what the one who tendered it considered a hint. How I might act if I were a devotee of Terpsichore, I do not know, but a conversazione is more attractive to me than a ball."
"We shall not quarrel there, and it is well that we agree in disagreeing with the general sentiment. Taught by the experience gained in our short acquaintance, I should prefer a petition with a quaking heart."
"You need not apprehend a refusal, provided your demand is reasonable and properly timed," answered Ida.
"Which of these provisoes was wanting to ensure the success of the suit you negatived, upon the evening of our introduction?"