Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Dynamiter

TITE BROWX BOX. 143
neitlier prospective po^'e^ty nor present hardship, could
now divert the young man from the service of his hidy ;
and wrapt in a long ulster, with the collar raised, he
took his stand against the balustrade, awaiting fortune,
the picture of damp and discomfort to the eye, but
glowing inwardly with • tender and delightful ardours.
Presently the window opened ; and the fair Cuban, with
a smile imperfectly dissembled, appeared upon the sill.
'Come here,' she said, 'here, beside my Avindow. The
small verandah gives a belt of shelter.' And she
graciously handed him a folding-chair.
As he sat down, visibly aglow with shyness and
delight, a certain bulkiness in his pocket reminded him
that he was not come empty-handed.
' I have taken the liberty,' said he, ' of bringing you
a little book. I thought of you, when I observed it on
the stall, because I saw it was in Spanish. The man
assured me it was by one of the best authors, and quite
proper.' As he spoke, he placed the little volume in her
hand. Her eyes fell as she turned the pages, and a flush
rose and died again upon her cheeks, as deep as it was
fleeting. 'You are angry,' he cried in agony. ' I have
presumed.'
' lN"o, Sefior, it is not that,' returned the lady. ' I ' —
and a flood of colour once more mounted to her brow —
' I am confused and ashamed because I have deceived
you. Spanish,' she began, and paused — ' Spanish is of
course my native tongue,' she resumed, as though
suddenly taking courage ; ' and this should certainly put
the highest value on your thoughtful present ; but alas,
sir, of what use is it to me ? And how shall I confess
to you the truth — the humiliating truth — that I cannot
read ? '
As Harry's eyes met hers in undisguised amazement,
the fair Cuban seemed to shrink before his gaze. ' Read ?'
repeated Harry. ' You ! '
She pushed the window still more widely open with
a large and noble gesture. 'Enter, Sefior,' said she.
' The time has come to which I have long looked for-
ward, not without alarm ; when I must either fear to