"Yes," said I, "you even gave me your lips once."
She blushed vividly, her eyes hard on her sewing.
"I shall not do the like again," said she, all rosy to the roots of her gold hair.
"And why, pray?"
"Because I know better now."
After a silence I turned me on my pillow and sighed heavily.
"John?" she inquired in gentle anxiety, "are you in great pain?"
I groaned.
She came to me again and laid her cool, soft hand on my head; and I caught it in both of mine and drew her down to me.
"I am a cripple and a beggar for your kindness, Penelope," I said. "I ask alms of you. Will you kiss me?"