"Now, now, Mr. Cornith! She's supposed to be sympathetic and understanding and very tender when you need her."
"I don't need that sort of sympathy and understanding."
"Look!" Lucy Hollowell cupped his chin in one soft hand and forced him to look at her. "My ears!" They were wiggling again in rhythm with the soft strains of a waltz coming from some hidden source.
"Stop that! No, no, no! Don't stop breathing. Just stop wiggling your ears. Don't faint. Stand still. And stop plucking coins out of the air. And if that's you making that music, stop that, too."
Silence reigned. Lucy Hollowell remained perfectly still. The expression on her lovely features was one of interest and concern. Her ripe lips quivered slightly. "You don't like me?" she said.
"I do, too."
Instantly the girl was all over Cornith, hugging him and kissing him at the same time and murmuring endearments.
"Hey!"
"Now, now, Mr. Cornith. She's supposed to be very responsive to words of love."
"I didn't say anything about love."