human
I am sure you are jealous. Don't tell me you are not,
gpt
Well, yes, I am; it was not nice of you to waltz with that great fop of a....
human
Now don't talk about that; I was punished enough for it. I never saw such an awkward fellow.
gpt
It served you right.
human
Come, don't scold me. I had it in my head--I don't know why--that it was to be a polka. You know very well that I don't care to waltz with anybody but you. First of all, because you waltz beautifully, and then, with you there is no danger.
gpt
There is no danger? What do you mean?
human
Did I say that?
gpt
You did.
human
Oh! I don't know what I say. Yes, as I was remarking, you waltz beautifully ... only....
gpt
Only....
human
Only you go too fast.
gpt
Too fast! How can that be? The waltz should be rapid, giddy.
human
Oh! you silly! Ahem! I mean to say, you are wrong.
gpt
Explain yourself, sweet one.
human
Well then, I mean that I like a waltz to be slow, dreamy, sad, almost dying away; I should like them composed entirely of the kind of airs they generally begin with--slow and solemn.
gpt
What! I exclaimed,
human
You know nothing about it,
gpt
I tell you I am an inveterate waltzer.
human
That proves nothing at all.
gpt
I tell you a waltz should be an intoxicating whirl.
human
Just at the end, perhaps; though I am not so sure of that either. Listen, I'll show you the kind of movement I like.
gpt
That is a waltz,
human
Indeed! I replied, growing reflective.
gpt
I say, darling, if you don't mind--I don't know why I ask you that again, but more than ever ... I had rather you waltzed with no one but me.
human
Oh! you need not ask me; and if that poor fellow had not set about it so awkwardly, I should very soon have thanked him and excused myself.... Just time enough to perceive that it was a waltz: and that would have settled it, you may be sure.
gpt
I don't follow you at all.
human
It is so lovely to waltz with you! You are not afraid to hold me firmly, and besides ... when I get giddy, I just lay my head on your shoulder and close my eyes, and then I feel quite safe.
gpt
It's a curious thing. The waltz makes me a little giddy too, but still I....
human
Well, you are not like me.
gpt
Does it make your head swim?
human
What a dear old goosey you are!
gpt
Not such a goose as I look.... Once more, what on earth is the effect that the waltz does produce upon you?
human
I ... do not know.
gpt
Try to find out.