"No," said I, "I never had a sweetheart, and, indeed, would not know how to conduct——"
"We could learn."
But I only laughed, disengaging her arms, and passing my own around her supple waist.
"Listen," said I, "Nick and I mean no harm in a starlit frolic, where we tarry for a kiss from a pretty maid."
"No harm?"
"Neither that nor better, Jessica. Nor do you; and I know that very well. With me it's a laugh and a kiss and a laugh; and into my stirrups and off.... And you are young and soft and sweet as new maple-sap in the snow. But if you dream like other little birds, of nesting——"
"May a lass not dream in springtime?"
"Surely. But let it end so, too."
"In dreams."
"It is wiser."