Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/68

Rh And whilst we continued this philosophical converse, which the youthful theologian sustained with an authoritative tone, and which brought a look of voluptuousness to the lovely complexion of her cousin, we came to the edge of a fine pool where one descended by a marble staircase to bathe. Although it was chilly, our heads were warm, and it came to me to propose to the maidens that they put their feet in the water, assuring them that it would do them good and, if they permitted me, that I would count it an honour to remove their shoes and stockings.

"Come," said Hedvige, "I like the project well."

"I, too," said Helène.

"Seat yourselves, ladies, on the first stair."

Behold them, then, seated, and thy servant, on the fourth stair, busy unshoeing them, what time he extolled the beauty of their legs and made pretence to be incurious at the moment to see higher than the knee. Then, having gone down to the water, they had perforce to lift their garments, and in this business I encouraged them.

"Ah, well," remarked Hedvige, "men also have tighs."

Helène, who would have felt shame to show less courage than her cousin, did not hang back.

"Come, my charming naïads," quoth I, " 'tis enough. Ye will catch cold if ye remain for long in the water."

They reascended the staircase backwards, ever holding up their robes lest they might wet them; and it fell to me to dry their limbs with all the handkerchiefs that I possessed. This pleasant task permitted me to see and touch everything at my