Meanings of sentimental dalliance in English

And it is usually the end of a sentimental dalliance.

Hitherto it had been simply a sentimental dalliance, and gossips had maligned the lady.

Often we have seemed to want of them only sentimental dalliance, with the result that they often grant it.

When the Reverend Mr. Mullen inadvertently introduced an emotional triangle, he had changed the situation from one of mere sentimental dalliance into direct pursuit.