..."
"By fear? Sweeter, Enva, at any rate. Well, if I do not offend your
feelings, I need not hesitate to disregard another of your customs."
She received her share willingly and gratefully enough, but her smile
and kiss were so evidently given to order, that they only testified to
the thorough literality of her statement. Leenoo, Eirale, and Elfe
followed her example with characteristic exactness. Equally
characteristic was the conduct of the others. Eunane kept aloof till
called, and then approached with an air of sullen reluctance, as if
summoned to receive a reprimand rather than a favour. Not a little
amused, I affected displeasure in my turn, till the window of her
chamber closed behind us, and her ill-humour was forgotten in
wondering alarm. Offered in private, the kiss and smile given and not
demanded, the present was accepted with frank affectionate gratitude.
Eive took her share in pettish shyness, waiting the moment when she
might mingle unobserved with her childlike caresses the childish
reproach--
"If you can buy kisses, Clasfempta, you don't want mine.
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