Part 22 (2/2)

And why, my gallant cousin?

_Mod_. Why?

_Helen_. Ay, why?-- Women, you know, are fond of reasons--why Would you not have me marry? How you blus.h.!.+

Is it because you do not know the reason?

You mind me of a story of a cousin Who once her cousin such a question asked.

He had not been to college, though--for books, Had pa.s.sed his time in reading ladies' eyes.

Which he could construe marvellously well, Though writ in language all symbolical.

Thus stood they once together, on a day-- As we stand now--discoursed as we discourse,-- But with this difference,--fifty gentle words He spoke to her, for one she spoke to him!-- What a dear cousin! Well, as I did say, As now I questioned thee, she questioned him.

And what was his reply? To think of it Sets my heart beating--'twas so kind a one!

So like a cousin's answer--a dear cousin!

A gentle, honest, gallant, loving cousin!

What did he say?--A man might find it out, Though never read he Ovid's Art of Love-- What did he say? He'd marry her himself!

How stupid are you, cousin! Let me go!

_Mod_. You are not well yet?

_Helen_. Yes.

_Mod_. I'm sure you're not.

_Helen_. I'm sure I am.

_Mod_. Nay, let me hold you, cousin! I like it.

_Helen_. Do you? I would wager you You could not tell me why you like it. Well?

You see how true I know you! How you stare!

What see you in my face to wonder at?

_Mod_. A pair of eyes!

_Helen_. At last he'll find his tongue--[Aside.]

And saw you ne'er a pair of eyes before?

_Mod_. Not such a pair.

_Helen_. And why?

_Mod_. They are so bright!

You have a Grecian nose.

_Helen_. Indeed.

_Mod_. Indeed!

_Helen_. What kind of mouth have I?

_Mod_. A handsome one. I never saw so sweet a pair of lips!

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