"What boon would you ask?" said Diana in a low voice.
"I would beseech that in return for my rose of flowers she would give me the rose of womanhood."
"A modest request. Do you think it would be granted?"
"Do you?" asked Lucian, picking up the rose again.
"How can I reply to your parables, or read your dark sayings?" said Diana, half in earnest, half in mirth.
"I can speak plainer if you permit it."
"If—if you like!"
The young man laid the rose on Diana's lap. "Then in return for my rose give me—yourself!"
"Mr. Denzil!" cried Diana, starting up, whereby the flower fell to the ground. "You—you surprise me!"