That was not meant to be a compliment, merely an observation.

[ He wonders if Hubert would find it just as odd to have Ferdinand complimenting him as Ferdinand found the other way around. Perhaps not, since Ferdinand tends to be a fair bit more open and sincere about all things.

He slows their dance to a stop, not to pull away, but to simply shift their positions. ]

Here is another one, while I am at it: it seems to me you would rather lead.