"Do you polk?" Madame Frédérique asked me.
"Yes, madame."
"Very well; then let us take a turn. I prefer to make my entry dancing; it will be more amusing. Indeed, I see some faces already that make me long to laugh. Come, monsieur, they say that you waltz beautifully; let us see if you polk as well."
We started off. I was in luck that evening: after an excellent waltzer, I found myself with a partner who polked to perfection. We danced forward and backward, and turned in every direction. Our manner of dancing seemed to arouse the admiration of the company, for I heard people say as we passed:
"Look! there's a couple who dance pretty well!"
"Just look at those two; see what pretty steps they take!"
"Who are those people?"
"They belong to the party in front, the wedding party of Monsieur Bocal's landlord's daughter; Monsieur Bocal invited them."
"They polk mighty well; they must be ballet dancers at least."
"I'll bet they belong to the Opéra."