"Can I?" answered Moore, laughing. "Then the first sum will be an addition. One added to two. One kiss to two lips."
"And the second?" asked Bessie, at a safe distance.
"Subtraction. Two kisses from two lips."
"That would leave nothing, Tom."
"Nothing but a taste of heaven," replied he, hopefully approaching her.
"A kiss is not right," objected Bessie, in her most moral accents.
"Then give me one that is left," urged Moore. "I see you have plenty, Bessie."
She shook her head.
"Time enough for that when you have been to London. You might see some girl there whom you would much prefer, and I 'll not run the risk till I know that it is n't so," she answered wisely.
"Ah, Bessie, Bessie darling, why will you doubt me so? Oh, I love you, dearest, I love you."