“I have a word,” I repeated, “to say to you.”
“An’ what’s that?” says she.
“’Tis that I wish a kiss,” says I.
She put up her dear red lips.
“Ay,” says I, “but ’tis a case of no God between us. You know what I am and have been. I ask a kiss.”
Her lips still invited me.
“I love you, Judith,” says I, “and always have.”
Her lips came closer.
“I would be your husband,” I declared.