I was falling in love. I knew it.
"Unless you take me lightly—unless you are willing that we play together," she said, "I couldn't talk to you, Don Michael. I may not take you seriously; nor you, me. That is essential."
"I may not p-pay court to you, Thusis?"
"Oh, that? Yes—in the nice way you have been doing. At least I thought you had been doing it, haven't you?"
"Yes—not realizing it. Yes—that's what I have really been doing.... Am I not to make love to you, Thusis?"
"W-what kind of love?"
"Honest, of course."
"D-demonstrative—love?"
"Yes."
"Oh, no! No, not that sort. No, please." For I had taken her smooth little hand in mine, and she withdrew it swiftly.