"You're right, my dear. You shall have time, all the time you want. But can't you give me a little hope, meanwhile?"
His response to her appeal had moved Lily to that intensity of gratitude and admiration that his chivalry could always evoke in her. The sudden, warm recognition of his generosity roused the like impulses in herself.
"I think it will be all right," she said naïvely.
"You little darling!"
On the instant all his gravity had vanished and he wore the aspect of buoyancy that contrasted so effectively with his grizzled head and broad shoulders.
"There's something I want now, Lily. I wonder if I shall get it—just to send me back to town happy?"
She looked at him rather apprehensively.
"Please, please don't look so frightened, dear! It wouldn't mean anything you don't want, you know."
"What?"
"Mayn't I kiss you, Lily—once?"