'One moment more,' cried he. 'Here is some mistake; for I never even saw you before.'
'Often!' exclaimed I, and was again going.
'So you will leave me, my sweet girl,' said he, smiling. 'Now you have all this time prevented me from binding my wound, and you owe me some compensation for loss of blood.'
I paused.
'I would ask you to assist me,' continued he, 'but in binding one wound, I fear you would inflict another.'
Mere curiosity made me return two steps.
'I think, however, there would be healing in the touch of so fair a hand,' and he took mine as he spoke.
At this moment, my humanity conquered my reserve, and kneeling down, I began to fasten the bandage; but resolved on not uttering another word.
'What kindness!' cried he. 'And pray to whom am I indebted for it?'
No reply.