"Monsieur overwhelms me! Why, good gracious, sir! What do you mean?"

For Dr. Oleander had actually caught her in his arms and was pouring
forth a passionate declaration of love.

"Goodness me! Release me instantly! How dare you, sir? Have you taken
leave of your senses, Doctor Oleander?"

"I am mad for love of you, beautiful Mollie! I adore you with my whole
heart!"

"Do you, indeed?" said Mollie, looking angrily at her ruffled plumage.
"See my dress--not fit to be seen! I'm surprised at you, Doctor
Oleander!"

"Mollie, I love you!"

"I don't care--that's no reason why you should spoil my lovely dress,
and make me a perfect fright. You had no business going on in that
outrageous manner, sir!"

"But, Mollie! Good heavens! will you listen to me? Never mind your
dress."

"Never mind my dress?" cried Miss Dane, shrilly. "Doctor Oleander,
you're a perfect bear, and I've a good mind never to speak to you again
as long as I live! Let us go back to the ball-room. If I had known you
were going to act so, I'd have seen you considerably inconvenienced
before I came with you here."