Don Juan watched attentively as she explained it all, still playing up the idea that he didn't understand and was hanging on her every word. He managed this up until she finished and it was his turn to respond, at which point he couldn't keep up the facade any longer. He smiled, then chuckled, then finally burst into laughter.

"How delighted I am to hear you feel no particular repulsion to me, Miss November," he said as his laughter subsided. He dropped her dance card. "Is Porphyria having you to dinner any time soon? I'll be sure to be home."

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