“Say that again! Once the foil of one of thy sex is penetrated, not having arguments, she can at least say ‘fie’! Well, even ducklings hiss when helplessly entangled.”
“Adolphus Von Gombard, I’ll not call you ‘father’ again, if you approach me any more in this courtier fashion.”
“Again, I say, an old head; but I’d plead privilege.”
“At least old enough to discern the sacred line that bounds all proper commerce between the sexes. You plead privilege; I grant you the noblest any woman can give, the privilege of guiding my immortal soul; but I remember to have heard that he who would shepherd such as I, must be to her as a woman. The relationship between us must be as that between the angels of heaven who neither marry nor are given in marriage.”
“Some young women receive teachings most willingly from fine-favored and patronizing instructors.”
“I know it; but let none patronize me so. I’ve begun to adore the Sacrist of Bozrah, but if a breath or word passes that makes me think of him chiefly as being a man, then I shall sit in his presence in fright, or flee as I would were I to find the place changed into a lonely night-draped waddy, my only company an image of some leering, giant Bacchus. But this unequal defence is painful.”
“Then desist and tell me what I’m to do.”
“You have been my ideal man, for heaven’s sake rob me not by changing!”
“Right nobly spoken, daughter. Now pardon me, for I was putting thee to a test.”
“A test?”