'T will take long time and yet--I would not have thee learn too soon! And
hast thought of me? A little?"
"I have borne thee ever within my heart."
"And wherefore wilt love maid so lowly?"
"For that thou art thyself and thyself--Melissa. And O, I love thy voice!"
"My voice? And what more?"
"Thine eyes. Thy little, pretty feet. Thy scarlet mouth. Thy gentle, small
hands. Thy hair. All of thee!"
"O," she murmured a little breathlessly, "if thou dost so love me--woo
me--a little!"
"Alas!" he sighed, "I know not how."
"Hast ne'er wooed maid ere this, big soldier?"
"Never!"
"Thou poor Pertinax! How empty--how drear thy life. For this do I pity thee
with pity kin to love--"
"Love?" he whispered. "Ah, Melissa, couldst e'en learn to love one so
unlovely, so rude, so rough and unmannered as I?"
"Never!" she sighed, "O, never--unless thou teach me?"
"Would indeed I might, Melissa. Ah, teach me how I may teach thee to love
one so unworthy as Pertinax!"
Now hearkening to his harsh voice grown soft and tremulous, beholding the
truth in his honest eyes, Melissa smiled, wondrous tender, and reaching out
took hold upon his two hands.
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