The man held her over the stall, and she reached down her hand towards the little bull's head. As it hovered over his nose, he suddenly put out his pink tongue and licked it, at which Tophra quickly drew it back.
"There is nothing to be afraid of," said Samis, smiling. "It is a good omen. The calf likes you."
The first person who met the child and the nurse as they're-entered their house after the visit to the stable, was Techo.
Tophra dropped the jointed doll which she had been absently dragging by one foot since its charms had been eclipsed by those of the little bull, and running to him, clasped her arms about his knees.
The tall man stooped and raised her in his arms, by which means his stern, dark face and her round, soft one were brought upon a level. He kissed her again and again, until, gently pushing him away, she said,—
