What a delicious thrill the very thought sent through me!
I went up to the cottage, and on entering found Norah still alone. She knew that I was under promise not to tell anything of Murdock’s proceedings, but noticing that I was not so tidy as before—for my cleansing at the brook-side was a very imperfect one—went quietly and got a basin with hot water, soap, and a towel, and clothes brush, and said I must come and be made very tidy.
That toilet was to me a sweet experience, and is a sweet remembrance now. It was so wifely in its purpose and its method, that I went through it in a languorous manner—like one in a delicious dream. When, with a blush, she brought me her own brush and comb and began 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.”