“‘And why are you so astonished? Can not I, a girl, have an affianced?’
“She—a girl! well, this beats everything I ever heard. Oh, well, who can tell about such matters! Everything is possible in this world.
“‘And have you been long engaged?’
“‘The sixth year.’
“‘Oh, oh!’ I thought and then said aloud: ‘Well, go ahead with your letter.’
“And I must confess—so tender and loving was this message—that I would have willingly exchanged places with this Boless had the fair correspondent been any one else but Teresa.
“‘I thank you from my inmost soul for your favor, Pan Student,’ Teresa said, bowing low. ‘Can I in any way be of service to you?’
“‘No, thank you.’
“‘But maybe the Pan’s shirts or trousers need mending?’
“This made me quite angry. I felt that this mastodon in petticoats was making the blood mount to my cheeks, and I told her quite sharply that her services were not required; and she departed.