He still makes fun of everything; but for me the age of gumarabic is past and my faith in Larive is gone.
If he believes that he will disparage this charming girl in my eyes by telling me that she is a bad dancer, he is wrong.

Of great importance it is to have a wife who dances well! She does not dance in her own house, nor with her husband from the wardrobe to the cradle, but at others' houses, and with other men.

Besides, a young girl who dances much has a lot of nonsense talked to her.

She may acquire a taste for Larive's buffooneries, for a neat leg, or a sharp tongue.

In that case what welcome can she give to simple, timid affection?
She will only laugh at it.