Why? Because I choose to take care with each step, instead of flitting airily about with my hair trailing behind me like you do?

[It’s his first instinct, to rebuke something in which Ferdinand touts superiority — as if he cannot break the habit that they crafted for themselves early in their acquaintance — but even as a scoff slips from his lips, there is no ire behind it. Just the usual dry sarcasm, opposite of his friend’s sunny disposition.]

And if that is how you compliment your dance partners, then it’s no wonder I found you out here, standing all on your own. You’re supposed to change my mind when it comes to dancing, not discourage me from any further ones from you.