The boyish abandon of that stout man was charming to behold , for though he ` carried weight ' , he danced like an India-rubber ball . He ran , he flew , he pranced , his face glowed , his bald head shown , his coattails waved wildly , his pumps actually twinkled in the air , and when the music stopped , he wiped the drops from his brow , and beamed upon his fellow men like a French Pickwick without glasses . Amy and her Pole distinguished themselves by equal enthusiasm but more graceful agility , and Laurie found himself involuntarily keeping time to the rhythmic rise and fall of the white slippers as they flew by as indefatigably as if winged . When little Vladimir finally relinquished her , with assurances that he was ` desolated to leave so early ' , she was ready to rest , and see how her recreant knight had borne his punishment . It had been successful , for at three-and-twenty , blighted affections find a balm in friendly society , and young nerves will thrill , young blood dance , and healthy young spirits rise , when subjected to the enchantment of beauty , light , music , and motion . Laurie had a waked-up look as he rose to give her his seat , and when he hurried away to bring her some supper , she said to herself , with a satisfied smile , `` Ah , I thought that would do him good ! '' `` You look like Balzac 's ' Femme Peinte Par Elle-Meme ' , '' he said , as he fanned her with one hand and held her coffee cup in the other . `` My rouge wo n't come off . '' and Amy rubbed her brilliant cheek , and showed him her white glove with a sober simplicity that made him laugh outright . `` What do you call this stuff ? '' he asked , touching a fold of her dress that had blown over his knee . `` Illusion . '' `` Good name for it . It 's very pretty -- new thing , is n't it ? '' `` It 's as old as the hills . You have seen it on dozens of girls , and you never found out that it was pretty till now -- stupide ! '' `` I never saw it on you before , which accounts for the mistake , you see . '' `` None of that , it is forbidden . I 'd rather take coffee than compliments just now . No , do n't lounge , it makes me nervous . ''
XXXXX sat bold upright , and meekly took her empty plate feeling an odd sort of pleasure in having ` little Amy ' order him about , for she had lost her shyness now , and felt an irrestible desire to trample on him , as girls have a delightful way of doing when lords of creation show any signs of subjection .
Amy Balzac Elle-Meme India-rubber Laurie Pickwick Pole Vladimir balm stupide