In my puzzle I could do nothing but smile feebly and apologetically.

The waiter smiled also--but his was a smile of compassion and condolence.

He took a step nearer to me, and with infinite sympathy in his tone observed: "Ah, well, sir, do not despair! A gentleman like you will soon find another lady to value the present more." In spite of my vanity--and I was certainly not presenting myself in a very triumphant guise to the waiter's imagination--I jumped at the mistake.
"They are capricious creatures!" said I with a shrug.

"I'll trouble myself no more about them." "You're right, sir, you're right.

It's one one day, and another another.
It's a pity, sir, to waste thought on them--much more, good money.