Page 264 (1/2)

"And," said I, staring away into the distance, "do you think

that, by any possible chance, she ht love me, this woman?"

"Ay, for sure," said the Ancient, "for sure she will; why don't

'ee up an ax 'er? Wi' a fine round moon over-'ead, an' a pretty

h to tell 'er you love 'er,

aren't it?"

"Indeed, yes," said I, beginning to rub hed

"An' when you looks into a pair o' sweet eyes, an' sees the shine

o' the moon in 'em--why, it aren't so very fur to 'er lips, are

it, Peter?

"No," said I, rubbing er of it"

"Wheer's t' danger, Peter?"

"Everywhere!" I answered; "in her eyes, in her thick, soft hair,

the warmth of her breath, the touch of her hand, the least

contact of her garments--her very step!"

"I knowed it!" cried the Ancient joyfully, peering at me under

his brows; "I knowed it!"

"Knehat?"