Page:The Snake's Pass (Stoker).djvu/236

 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."