"But no matter.

It is a waste of time to discuss philosophy with a man who has no mind above fox-hunting, fishing, pheasant-shooting, and dancing.

By the way, how many times do you intend to dance with the Grecian goddess ?" "Meaning--" said Stafford.
"Miss Falconer, of course.

Grecian goddesses are not so common, my dear Stafford, as to permit of more than one in a house-party." "I'm sure I don't know," replied Stafford, eyeing him with faint surprise.

"What the devil made you ask me that ?" Howard eyed the handsome face with cynical amusement.
"Pardon, if I was impertinent; but I assure you the question is being asked amongst themselves by all the women in the house--" Stafford stared at him and began to frown with perplexity rather than anger.
"My dear Stafford, I know that you are not possessed of a particularly brilliant intellect, but you surely possess sufficient intelligence to see that your attentions to Miss Falconer are somewhat obvious." "What ?" said Stafford.