"During the afternoon of the next day, some three or four of Olga's bosom
friends, who had also been present at the ball, dropped in to have a chat
about it. They naturally fell to discussing the men, and to criticising
their dancing. Old Geibel was in the room, but he appeared to be
absorbed in his newspaper, and the girls took no notice of him.
"'There seem to be fewer men who can dance, at every ball you go to,'
said one of the girls.
"'Yes, and don't the ones who can, give themselves airs,' said another;
'they make quite a favour of asking you.'
"'And how stupidly they talk,' added a third. 'They always say exactly
the same things: "How charming you are looking to-night." "Do you often
go to Vienna? Oh, you should, it's delightful." "What a charming dress
you have on." "What a warm day it has been." "Do you like Wagner?" I
do wish they'd think of something new.'
"'Oh, I never mind how they talk,' said a fourth. 'If a man dances well
he may be a fool for all I care.'
"'He generally is,' slipped in a thin girl, rather spitefully.
"'I go to a ball to dance,' continued the previous speaker, not noticing
the interruption. 'All I ask of a partner is that he shall hold me
firmly, take me round steadily, and not get tired before I do.'
"'A clockwork figure would be the thing for you,' said the girl who had
interrupted.
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