Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/100

 choice, is, for him to offer her a seat in his curricle. If the fair one consents, even by a nod, she is supposed to admit him as a suitor on probation. Her hair is then bound up by the hands of her mother, or nearest kinswoman; and the appearance of the pair in public is the acknowledged sign of the first stage of courtship. A refusal, on the other hand, is delicately conveyed by her saying that she does not like, or does not wish, to bind up her hair.

"Surely, Reva will not think that I am so"—

"Set your mind at rest. She evidently understood your proposal as you meant it, but could not, of course, explain quite freely why she was not at liberty to accept. Perhaps," he added after a pause, "it will be as well not to mention the matter at home. Reva is high-spirited, and might take amiss your exposing her to teasing remarks."