Page:Teleny, or The Reverse of the Medal, t. II.djvu/116

 Dr. Nn had told me that the weakness of the nerves in her lower limbs was from the knees downwards. She, however, seemed to think that it was from the knees upwards. I was ingenuously puzzled, and—not to make a mistake—I rubbed from the foot upwards; but soon I remarked that the higher I went the more softly she purred.

After about ten minutes,—"I am afraid I am tiring you," said I; "perhaps it is enough for the first time."

"Oh," replied she, with the languishing eyes of an old fish, "I could be rubbed by you the whole day. I already feel such a benefit. You have a man's hand for strength, a woman's for softness. But you must be tired, poor fellow! Now, what will you take—Madeira, or dry sherry?"

"Nothing, thank you."

"A glass of champagne and a biscuit?"

"No, thanks."

"You must take something. Oh, I know!—a tiny glass of Alkermes from the Certosa of Florence. Yes, I think I'll sip one with you