"Very good! try to write an amusing article about it; it will be a windfall to you."
"On my word, you are very sharp this evening!"
"I thought that you were used to it."
"The next contra-dance is mine, you know, madame?" I said to Madame Sordeville.
"Yes, monsieur, to be sure; I have not forgotten it."
Her manner as she made that reply was charming. Women have a way of saying the most trivial things which gives them enormous value in our eyes. That depends considerably, however, on one's frame of mind.
The orchestra began to play a polka. I looked disconsolately at my pretty partner.
"Do you polk?" I asked.
"No. I waltz, but I don't polk."
"But I do," said Madame Dauberny, holding out her hand. "And you know how well we danced together. Suppose we see if we can succeed as well here as at Monsieur Bocal's ball?"