It is black polished stone,
beautifully fashioned and encircled with gold bands, and contains the
writing-fluid within itself. This surprises me as much as anything you
have told me."
"Allow me to make you a present of it," said I, seeing him so taken with
it.
"No, not so," he returned. "But I should greatly like to possess it, and
will keep it if I may bestow in return something you desire."
Yoletta's hand was really the only thing in life I desired, but it was
too early to speak yet, as I knew nothing about their matrimonial
usages--not even whether or not the lady's consent was necessary to a
compact of the kind. I therefore made a more modest request. "There is
one thing I greatly desire," I said. "I am very anxious to be able to
read in your books, and shall consider myself more than compensated if
you will permit Yoletta to teach me."
"She shall teach you in any case, my son," he returned. "That, and much
more, is already owning to you."
"There is nothing else I desire," said I. "Pray keep the pen and make me
happy.
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