“The gentleman may have been a
connection of mine, for all I know,” he
said; “the Tweddles have always kept
themselves respectable. But I’m not a
hero mys If, I’m a hairdresser.”
Slk* repeated the word thoughtfully,
though she did not seem to quite com
prehend it; and indeed it is likely
enough that, however intelligible she
was to Leander, the understanding was
far from being entirely reciprocal.
She extended her hand to him smiling
not ungraciously. “Leander,” she said,
“cease to tremble, for a great happiness
is yours. Bold have you been; yet am
T not angered, for I come. Cast then
away all fear, and know that Aphrodite
disdains not to accept a mortal's plight
ed troth!”
Leander intrenched himself promptly
behind the armchair. “1 don't know I
what your’re talking about,”he said.
“How can I help fearing when you j
come down upon me like this? Ask
yourself.”
“Can you not understand that your
prayer is answered?” she demanded.
“\\ hat prayer?” cried Leander.
“Crass and gross witted has the
world grown!” said she; “a Greek swain
would have needed but few words to
divine his bliss. Know then that your I
suit is accepted; never yet has Aprodilo j
turned the humblest from her shrine.
By this symlK)l,” and she lightly touch- i
ed the ring, “you have given yourself to '
me. 1 accept the offering—you arc I
mine!”
Leander was stupified at such an un
locked for misconception. lie could
scarcely Itelievc Ids ears, but he hasten
ed (o set himself right at once.
