Page 262 - The snake's pass

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250 — THE snake's pass. —
on it, it was shown in all its sterling beauty. I
thought the opportunity was a fair one, and I lifted
it to my lips and said :
" Norah
! I think I may say a word before your father
and my friend. This hand—this beautiful hand," and
I kissed it again, "is dearer to me a thousand times,
because it can do, and has done, honest work ; and
I only hope that in all my life I may be worthy of
it." I was about to kiss it yet again, but Norah drew
it gently away. Then she shifted her stool a little, and
came closer to me. Her father saw the movement, and
said simply :
" Go to him, daughter. He is worth it —he sthruck a
!
good blow for ye this night." And so we changed places,
and she leaned her head against my knee ; her other
hand—the one not held in mine—rested on her father's
knee.
There we sat and smoked and talked for an hour or
more. Then Dick looked at me and I at him, and we
rose. Norah looked at me lovingly as we got our hats.
Her father saw the look, and said :
" Come, daughter you're not tired, suppose we
! if
see them down the boreen."
A bright smile and a blush came in her face ; she
threw a shawl over her head, and we went all together.
She held her father's arm and mine ; but by-and-by
the lane narrowed, and her father went in front with
Dick, and we two followed.
Was it to be wondered at, if we did lag a little behind