_Mr. B._ (_determined to lead up to it somehow_). I--I was rather
thinking--(_he_ meant _to say, "devoutly hoping," but, to his own
bitter disgust, it comes out like this_)--I should meet you here
to-night.
_Miss R._ Were you? Why?
_Mr. B._ (_with a sudden dread of going too far just yet_). Oh,
(_carelessly_), you know how one _does_ wonder who will be at a place,
and who won't.
_Miss R._ No, indeed, I don't.--_how_ does one wonder?
_Mr. B._ (_with a vague notion of implying a complimentary exception
in her case_). Oh, well, generally--(_with the fatal tendency of a shy
man to a sweeping statement_)--one may be pretty sure of meeting just
the people one least wants to see, you know.
_Miss R._ And so you thought you would probably meet me. I _see_.
_Mr. B._ (_overwhelmed with confusion, and not in the least knowing
what he says_). No, no, I didn't think that--I hoped you mightn't--I
mean, I was afraid you might--
[Stops short, oppressed by the impossibility of explaining.
_Miss R._ You are not very complimentary to-night, are you?
_Mr. B._ I can't pay compliments--to _you_--I don't know how it is,
but I never can talk to you as I can to other people!
_Miss R._ Are you amusing when you are with other people?
_Mr. B._ At all events I can find things to say to _them_.
Enter Another Man.
_Another Man_ (_to_ Miss B.). Our dance, I think?
_Miss R._ (_who had intended to get out of it_). I was wondering if
you ever meant to come for it.
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