“Oh, nonsense,” said Eve. “It isn't him. There are mischief-makers behind.”
“Ay? just you tell me who they are. I'll teach them to come across my hawse”; and David's eyes flashed.
“Don't you be silly,” said Eve, and turned it off; “and don't be so downhearted. Why, you are not half a man.”
“No more I am, Eve. What has come to me?”
“What, indeed? just when everything goes swimmingly.”
“Eve, how can you say so?”
“Why, David, she leaves this in a few days for Mrs. Bazalgette's house. You tell me you have got a warm invitation there. Then make the play there, and, if you can't win her, say you don't deserve her, twiddle your thumb, and see a bolder lover carry her off. You foolish boy, she is only a woman; she is to be won. If you don't mind, some man will show you it was as easy as you think it is hard. Timid wooers make a mountain of a mole-hill.”
“Why, it is you who have kept me backing and filling all this time, Eve.”
“Of course. Prudence at first starting, but that isn't to say courage is never to come in. First creep within the fortification wall; but, once inside, if you don't storm the city that minute, woe be unto you. Come, cheer up! it is only for a few days, and then she goes where you will have her all to yourself; besides, you shall have one sweet delicious evening with her all alone before she goes. What! have you forgotten the pedigree? Wasn't I right to keep that back? and now march and take a good long walk.”
Her tongue was a spur. It made David's drooping manhood rear and prance—a trumpet, and pealed victory to come. David kissed her warmly and strode away radiant. She looked sadly after him.