THE SWEET-SCENTED NAME
with another, more worthy than I of your love."
His little nose got red, his small, restless blinking eyes reddened also, and he twisted his small body so that he seemed smaller than ever and looked as if he were just going to weep.
Mashenka considered the situation and tried hard to keep a good opinion of herself as she thought:
"Now, how can I send him away! It's impossible not to feel sorry for such a man. I can't complain to a passer-by or call a policeman."
It was pleasant to think some one had fallen in love with her. All the young men who had paid her attentions before had either not been serious or they themselves had been odious to her. But this man was so humble and spoke with such an engaging eloquence; he simply would not leave her side, and his words reminded her of the love speeches of viscounts and marquises in a novel.
She tried to look sternly at him as she asked sharply:
"Well, and who are you?"
"I am a man who is in love with you," answered Lohengrin.
50
