Very reluctantly Peter began to take the thimble off his finger . He thought she wanted it back . ' I do n't mean a kiss , ' she said hurriedly , ' I mean a thimble . ' ` What 's that ? ' Peter asked . ` It 's like this , ' she said , and kissed him . ' I should love to give you a thimble , ' Peter said gravely , so he gave her one . He gave her quite a number of thimbles , and then a delightful idea came into his head . ` Maimie , ' he said , ` will you marry me ? ' -LSB- Illustration : ` My Lord Duke , ' said the physician elatedly , ' I have the honour to inform your excellency that your grace is in love ' -RSB- Now , strange to tell , the same idea had come at exactly the same time into Maimie 's head . ' I should like to , ' she answered , ` but will there be room in your boat for two ? ' ` If you squeeze close , ' he said eagerly . ` Perhaps the birds would be angry ? ' He assured her that the birds would love to have her , though I am not so certain of it myself . Also that there were very few birds in winter . ` Of course they might want your clothes , ' he had to admit rather falteringly . She was somewhat indignant at this . ` They are always thinking of their nests , ' he said apologetically , ` and there are some bits of you ' -- he stroked the fur on her pelisse -- ` that would excite them very much . ' ` They sha n't have my fur , ' she said sharply . ` No , ' he said , still fondling it , however , ` no .
O XXXXX , ' he said rapturously , ` do you know why I love you ?
Duke Illustration Lord Maimie Peter boat idea nests pelisse thimbles