But in the meantime, Marius, until I resolve me whether I will marry you or not, would you not do a little thing that I might ask of you ?" "Until you resolve ?" he cried, and his face flushed with the sudden hope he gathered from those words.

Hitherto there had been no suggestion of a possible modification of attitude towards his suit.

It had been repulsion, definite and uncompromising.

Again he studied her face.
Was she fooling him, this girl with the angel-innocence of glance?
The thought of such a possibility cooled him instantly.

"What is it you want of me ?" he asked, his voice ungracious.
"Only a little thing, Marius." Her glance travelled back over her shoulder to the tall, limber fellow in leather jerkin and with cross-gartered legs who lounged a dozen steps behind them.