"On which pillow would you like to sleep? The lower one?"
"As my sister-in-law wishes."
"Then, if you please, let us sleep on the same."
"Very well."
Prudence had slipped under the blankets to finish undressing, and the boy did likewise, removing his upper garment. The lamp, placed on a little table beside the bed, dimly lit up the recess through the thin curtains.
His emotion began to rise, and he asked:
"How many flowering Springtides have you known?"
"Fifteen, this year."
"Are you betrothed?"
But she was seized with unaccountable shyness, and dared not answer. He brought his lips close to the delicate ear lying beside him, and whispered: