"May I have the pleasure?" i.e., "Wish to goodness she'd refuse, but no such luck!"
"Delighted!" i.e., "I'd as soon dance with a tipsy Mammoth."
"Awfully sorry, but I haven't one dance left;" i.e., "I've three, but if I'd thirty, he shouldn't have one, the lemon-headed little cad!"
"I think I see Mamma looking for me;" i.e., "Must get rid of the bore somehow."
A Little Music.
"Oh, will you play us that sweet little thing of yours in five flats?" i.e., "It isn't sweet, but it is short, which is something—with him!"
"Won't you give us just one song, Mr. Howler? I won't ask you for more;" i.e., "Wouldn't for that, if I could help it."