"Miss K——, nobody hain't never introduced you to me, but I've seen you a good many times, and I know your husband very well, so I thought I might just as well come and speak to you—my name is A——."
"Ah! Mr. A——, good-evening. I hope you are enjoying yourself. How is your sister?"
"Oh! she is a great deal worse—her cold has got into her eye, and it is all shot up."
Then turning full upon a lady[4] who sat near, radiant with youth and beauty, sparkling with wit and genuine humor:
"Oh! Mrs. Beall," he began, "what a beautiful gown you have got on, and how handsome you do look! I declare you're the prettiest woman in the room, and dance the handsomest."
"Indeed, Mr. A——," replied she, suppressing her love of fun and assuming a demure look, "I am afraid you flatter me."
"No, I don't—I'm in earnest. I've just come to ask you to dance."
Such was the penalty of being too charming.