“Brassid, what does that mean?”
“That you are engaged to me—”
“Brassid, I don’t mind being engaged—that much—out here—”
He kissed her again.
“Yes,” she said. “But remember that I do not love you, and that I shall never marry you. It will be quite different when we land. I heard the snuff lady say that we must be engaged, or it would be very improper to be so much alone—out—here. So now you may tell her that—we—are engaged—that everything is proper—and you needn’t say that it is only a little.”
She stopped to laugh again.
“Oh, Brassid, it is glorious! And you are lovely. And I have everything I want now—since we are engaged a little. And if I ever marry any one it will be some one just like you, who can swim, and has the big love—and courage. But I won’t love you, Brassid, I won’t. You should not expect that.”
“No,” laughed happy Brassid.
“Kiss me!” she commanded. “And laugh!”
Brassid did both.