He stammered a moment, then smiled, for he could not help it.
"I would not care to claim that for myself," he said.
"Rather," she suggested, "let us frankly admit that you are the superior in both." He was sitting at the table, his elbows upon it, and now he covered his face with his hands, half in real, half in mock, despair: "What can I do or say ?" he groaned.

"What have I done that you will not answer the honest meaning you can understand in spite of my clumsy words ?" Then he had to look at her because she did not answer, and when he saw that she was still ready to laugh, he laughed, too.
"Have you never ceased to despise me because I could not swim?
I can swim now, I assure you.

I have studied the art.

I could even show you a prize that I took in a race, if that would win your respect." "I am glad you took the prize." "I have not yet learned the magic with which mermaids move." "No, and you have not heard any excuse for the boldness of that play yet.

And I was almost the cause of your death.