Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/99

 "Why not bind it up, then?"

With an emphatic shake of the head, and a merry laugh, she replied,—

"That might, perhaps, do in Maoria, but not here."

"Surely, there is nothing to prevent your using my machine, and keeping your engagement!" I exclaimed.

"I will take charge of yours meanwhile."

Seeing me very much in earnest in my offer, she gratefully accepted, mounted, waved the usual graceful gesture of farewell, and was soon vanishing in the distance. Utis was naturally surprised to see me appear with this slow-moving exchange for my late mount. Without many questions, however, he set to work, and soon had the vehicle in working order. It was not till we had started on our way home that I recounted my adventure at greater length. For some reason, it seemed to cause him great amusement; and it was with a merry twinkle in his eye that he said,—

"You are, perhaps, not aware that you have made this morning a formal proposal to Reva Diotha."

"What!" I exclaimed, naturally startled by such an unexpected announcement.

"Yon need not look so frightened," he continued.

"She has refused you in due form."

He then went on to explain, that among them it was not customary for a girl to ride out with a bachelor unless betrothed to him. In that case her hair, no longer allowed to hang in unrestrained luxuriance, was braided up, or confined in a net, after the manner of betrothed maidA not unusual way, therefore, for a young man to put a certain momentous question to the maiden of his