“Quite aware, fairy prince; and ready and glad to pay forfeit.”
She slipped up still closer for another kiss.
“A piece of mauve ribbon, you remember. The kind you wore that night we made the bet.”
“Yes, Harilek mine; my memory is still quite good. I’m wearing such to-night. Perhaps”—her eyes were very soft as she looked up—“perhaps I had a presentiment I should lose this evening.” Her eyelids drooped again.
“I believe you did, sweetheart. And now I’m going to make you pay up.” And I commenced to collect payment.
“This is the ‘offensive action’ part, I suppose. But don’t tear my clothes, please, Harilek. That bow comes undone quite easily.”
It did—as she said—and between kisses I annexed my prize.
“And what are you going to do with it?” she asked, straightening her dress as I folded up my piece of ribbon.
“Put it in my cap, so that all the world may know what I’ve won.”
“You’ll spoil it! Give it back to me and I’ll put it on properly myself.” She took it out of my hand. Then, in a proud voice, “I told you that if any one wanted my favour he would have to take it!”