“Hellen, I beg, let us behave.”
“Callest thou not this behaving?” he entreated.
She had to laugh; and this so impaired the small quantity of breath remaining that he was obliged to hold her more at arm’s length. And well was it that he did. For scarcely were his arms removed than a voice was heard above. In the next instant, Deucalion was looking over at them, and marveling at the staid manner in which they were comporting themselves.
“How is it with you?” he inquired dryly.
“Never as well, Father! Come down.”
“I think not.”
“But I beg thee, Father. We have somewhat to tell thee.”
“Can it not wait?”
“Not many moments. Come—come!”
Therefore, Deucalion descended. When he was well steadied in the boat, Hellen said, with due caution, “Father—but now—have I asked Electra to be my wife.”