"I would take her away from here—far away—where she could never trouble you again, pretty lady, for a reward that even you could afford to bestow."
"What is that?" cried Roma eagerly, and she was startled when granny answered nervously:
"A kiss!"
"A kiss!" the girl echoed wonderingly.
Granny was actually trembling with excitement, and she added pleadingly:
"You are so pretty, Miss Roma, that I have fallen in love with you, and for my love's sake I would like to kiss you once. If you grant my wish, I will be your slave for only one kind look and kiss!"
She was softened and agitated in a strange fashion, but she could not help seeing that Roma recoiled in surprise and disgust.
"Really, this is very strange! I—I am not fond of kissing old women. I scarcely ever kiss even my own mother. I would much rather pay you a little money!" she exclaimed.
Granny's face saddened with disappointment, and she muttered:
"So proud; so very proud! She could not bear a downfall!"