'Why I thought you always ventured,—everything!' she said, stirring up now in her surprise.
'Then shall I make my petition? I never dared so much in my life as I am daring now.'
'Of course you may make it,' said Wych Hazel. 'As fast as you like. I shall begin to be impatient too.'
'If you choose to question me for my reasons, I will have the honour to give them. Or if you ask what right I have to move in the matter, I will answer that, too.'
'Beforehand?'
'Certainly. If you wish.'
'No matter,' she said, with a slight laugh which was yet a little disturbed. What was looming up behind this barricade of preliminaries? 'I thought you based your right just now— But never mind. Go on, please.'
He was silent nevertheless a minute, while the old horse came to an unchallenged slow walk. Then Rollo ungloved his right hand and held it out.
'I cannot see your face,' said he. 'Give me your hand, so that
I may know, while I hold it, that you are not displeased.'
'Why, Mr. Rollo?' said Hazel, with the same half laugh, 'you are very—extraordinary! It strikes me your one petition covers a good many. Must I take the glove off?—if you are to be indulged.'