H.M.S. "PINAFORE"
catching it on the string with her eyes shut; but so great was her agitation that she missed it every time, to the serious damage of her renowned nose.
"Nay, lady," said Ralph, "I see that my presence has unsettled you—I will withdraw."
"No, Ralph, you may remain," she said. She did not like him to go away with the impression that she was but a clumsy player after all. And again she tossed the "Diabolo" high into the air, and again it came down on her beautiful little nose.
"Lady," said he, "put aside that silly toy and listen. I am a poor uneducated fellow who has dared to love you, but before you dismiss me with contempt, do not forget that I am a British sailor. It is important to bear that in mind."
Josephine was much moved, and though she was a girl of great strength of mind she would not trust herself to speak. So she merely exclaimed "Pooh!" and again threw up the toy, with the same painful results.
"Nay, lady," said he, "I feel that this indifference is assumed. I distinctly see a tear trembling in your left eye."
"It—it was the Diabolo," she said (not quite truthfully), "it hurt."
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