that upon myself," I told her; "I need only say that you don't feel quite equal to facing lions." "But I do, Theodore," she said, "the dear, ducky, pussy-faced old things! Who could possibly be afraid of lions—especially with Mr Niono to protect us?" "If you knew more about lions, Lurana," I said, "you would know how liable they are to sudden rages, and how little even lion-tamers themselves—" "If you go on like that, Theodore," she said, "I shall begin to think that you want to frighten me—and even that you[Pg 55] [Pg 56]are just a little frightened yourself. But I'm not to be frightened. I should not be my mother's daughter if I had any fear of animals. And once for all, you will either marry me in the lions' cage or not at all!" [Pg 55] [Pg 56] "If you go on like that I shall begin to think you want to frighten me." I saw that I should only be exposing myself to further misunderstanding if I pursued the subject. Lurana had that quality of courage which springs from a total lack of imagination; she had never seen a performing lion ramp and roar, and it was inconceivable to her that one could ever indulge in such exercises. Still less did she understand that there is another type of courage, which sees all the difficulties and dangers beforehand, even exaggerated by distance, and yet advances calmly and undauntedly to encounter them. My courage was of that sort, and it is generally admitted that it belongs to a far higher order than the other. Now that the die was cast I found myself anticipating the eventful day with[Pg 57] philosophic equanimity. It was an uncomfortable method of getting married, no doubt, but after all, what man ever was comfortable at his own wedding? [Pg 57] And surely one crowded quarter-of-an-hour (for it would certainly be crowded in that cage) of glorious life would be worth an age without Lurana—who was not to be won by any other means. [Pg 58][Pg 59] [Pg 58][Pg 59] PART II
Prev.
Back
Top