"Don't miss my manly bosom, or you'll spoil all," he said.
"There—I would it could cool your heart and freeze every thought of me out of your head!"
Grace flung the snow, and, letting it melt upon his coat, Mr. Norcot struck an attitude while he recited another rhyme. His eyes were full of the snow light and seemed harder and brighter than usual as he gazed at her.
"'When, wanton fair, the snowy orb you throw,
I feel a fire before unknown in snow,
E'en coldest ice I find has pow'r to warm
y breast, when flung by Gracie's lovely arm!'"
He swept off his hat and bowed; whereon she laughed outright.
"You should have been a player, for you are a most unreal man—for ever feigning to be something else than you are."
"Then marry me and find the kernel in the nut."
"How can I marry one I do not know?"
"Even such you should choose if you are wise; for the following sufficient reasons."
He prattled on, and presently Maurice Malherb joined them. The master had been that day in Prince Town upon various business, and he returned with news of a sort to interest his daughter. Now her eyes asked him a question and he answered it.