She looked down, still shrinking
away from him, till she stood with her back to a tree. Her fresh young
face was almost white now and her eyelids trembled from time to time,
while her lips moved though she was not conscious of what she wanted to
say.
"Ah, Teresina!" he exclaimed, with a nicely adjusted cadence of passion
in the tone. "What are you waiting for, my little angel? It is time to
love when one is young and the world is green, and your eyes are bright,
carina! When the heart beats and the blood is warm! And you are made for
love--that mouth of yours--like the red carnations--one kiss
Teresinella--that is all I ask--one kiss and no more,--here in the shade
while no one is looking--one kiss, carina mia--there is no sin in
kissing--"
And he tried to draw her to him. But either Teresina was naturally a
very good girl, or her good angel had demolished his evil adversary in
the encounter which had taken place. There is an odd sort of fierce
loyalty very often to be found at the root of the Sicilian character.
She looked up suddenly and her eyes met his. She held out the little
package still unopened.
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