Page 236 - The snake's pass

224 — — — THE snake's pass. ——
to smooth my hair, I was as happy as it is given to a
man to be. There is a peculiar sensitiveness in their hair
to some men, and to have it touched by hands that
they love is a delicious sensation. When my toilet was
complete Norah took me by the hand and made me sit
down beside her. After a pause, she said to me with a
gathering blush :
" I want to ask you something."
" And I want to ask you something," said I. " Norah,
dear ! there is one thing I want much to ask you."
She seemed to suspect or guess what I was driving at,
for she said:
"You must let me ask mine first."
" No, no ! " I replied. " You must answer me ; and
then, you know, you will have the right to ask what
you like."
" But I do not want any right."
" Then it will be all the more pleasure to me to
give a favour—if there can be any such from me to
you."
Masculine persistence triumphed — men are always
more selfish than women—and I asked my question :
"Norah, darling—tell me when will you be mine
my very own? When shall we be married?"
Tho love-light was sweet in her eyes as she answered
me with a blush that made perfect the smile on her
lips:
"Nay! You should have let me ask my question
first."