The old toymaker showed her how to regulate its speed, and how to stop it, and release herself.
"'It will take you round in a complete circle,' he explained; 'be careful that no one knocks against you, and alters its course.' "The music struck up.

Old Geibel put the current in motion, and Annette and her strange partner began to dance.
"For a while every one stood watching them.

The figure performed its purpose admirably.

Keeping perfect time and step, and holding its little partner tightly clasped in an unyielding embrace, it revolved steadily, pouring forth at the same time a constant flow of squeaky conversation, broken by brief intervals of grinding silence.
"'How charming you are looking to-night,' it remarked in its thin, far- away voice.

'What a lovely day it has been.