And his face expressed so much horror at the idea of looking into a box , which had been confided to him on the condition of his never opening it , that Pandora thought it best not to suggest it any more . Still , however , she could not help thinking and talking about the box . `` At least , '' said she , `` you can tell me how it came here . '' `` It was left at the door , '' replied Epimetheus , `` just before you came , by a person who looked very smiling and intelligent , and who could hardly forbear laughing as he put it down . He was dressed in an-odd kind of a cloak , and had on a cap that seemed to be made partly of feathers , so that it looked almost as if it had wings . '' `` What sort of a staff had he ? '' asked Pandora . `` O , the most curious staff you ever saw ! '' cried Epimetheus . `` It was like two serpents twisting around a stick , and was carved so naturally that I , at first , bought the serpents were alive . '' `` I know him , '' said Pandora , thoughtfully . `` Nobody else has such a staff . It was Quicksilver ; and he brought one hither , as well as the box . No doubt he intended it for me ; and , most probably , it contains pretty dresses for me to wear , or toys for you and me to play with , or something very nice for us both to eat ! '' `` Perhaps so , '' answered Epimetheus , turning away . `` But until Quicksilver comes back and tells us so , we have neither of us any right to lift the lid of the box . '' `` What a dull boy he is ! '' muttered Pandora , as Epimetheus left the cottage . `` I do wish he had a little more enterprise ! '' For the first time since her arrival , Epimetheus had gone out without asking Pandora to accompany him .
He went to gather figs and grapes by himself , or to seek whatever amusement he could find , XXXXX other society than his little playfellow 's .
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