"I should like to dance with you," he went on in a
moment, turning back to Isabel; "but I think I like even better to
talk with you."
"Yes, it's better, and it's more worthy of your dignity. Great
statesmen oughtn't to waltz."
"Don't be cruel. Why did you recommend me then to dance with Miss
Osmond?"
"Ah, that's different. If you danced with her it would look simply
like a piece of kindness-as if you were doing it for her amusement. If
you dance with me you'll look as if you were doing it for your own."
"And pray haven't I a right to amuse myself?"
"No, not with the affairs of the British Empire on your hands."
"The British Empire be hanged! You're always laughing at it."
"Amuse yourself with talking to me," said Isabel.
"I'm not sure it's really a recreation. You're too pointed; I've
always to be defending myself. And you strike me as more than
usually dangerous to-night. Will you absolutely not dance?"
"I can't leave my place. Pansy must find me here."
He was silent a little. "You're wonderfully good to her," he said
suddenly.
Isabel stared a little and smiled. "Can you imagine one's not
being?"
"No indeed.
Pages:
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770