"Why are you ashamed, wretch? You can kiss, but you won't look!"
He would rather kiss her, but she will not allow him.
"Please, look at me!"
Yössele opens his eyes wide, but not for long.
"Oh, please!" she says, and her voice is softer, "silkier" than ever.
He looks. This time it is her lids that fall.
"Just tell me," she says, "only please tell me the truth, am I a pretty woman?"
"Yes!" he whispers, and she feels his breath hot on her cheek.
"Who told you?"
"Can't I see for myself? You are a queen—a queen!"