Without noticing my observation, he continued:—
“I was on my knee before her, her hand passively resting in mine, her eyes bent upon me softly and tearfully—”
“The game was your own, in fact.”
“You shall hear.
“‘Have we stood long enough thus, Senhor?’ said she, bursting into a fit of laughter.
“I sprang to my legs in anger and indignation.
“‘There, don’t be passionate; it is so tiresome. What do you call that tree there?’
“‘It is a tulip-tree,’ said I, coldly.
“‘Then, to put your gallantry to the test, do climb up there and pluck me that flower. No, the far one. If you fall into the lake and are drowned, why it would put an end to this foolish interview.’
“‘And if not?’ said I.