Buntingford had committed him to a dance with her, and he was not grateful.
"She is pretty, of course, but horribly fast!" said his partner contemptuously, as Helena passed.

"Everybody thinks her such bad style!" "Then everybody is an ass!" said Peter violently, turning upon her.

"But it doesn't matter to Helena." The girl flushed in surprise and anger.
"I didn't know you were such great friends.

I only repeat what I hear," she said stiffly.
"It depends on where you hear it," said Peter.

"There isn't a man in this ball that isn't pining to dance with her." "Has she given you a dance ?" said the girl, with a touch of malice in her voice.
"Oh, I've come off as well as other people!" said Peter evasively.
Then, of a sudden, his chubby face lit up.