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228 MY COUSIN. 
after a little merry conversation. '' Cousins do it 
at parting among the Blackfeet." 
" Indeed I ain't,'^ said she, saucily. 
" Indeed you are," said I, boldly. 
" Indeed, in very deed, Mr. Impertinence, you 
mistake for once, even though you have shot buf- 
falo at the Black Hills ; " and she tapped her tiny 
foot on the floor, and pouted her rich, red lips sau- 
cily out, looking, for all the world, as if about to 
give me a flash or two of her brilliant repartee. 
But I was in for it; and I was determined to 
see whether love and the Black Hills could not 
conquer reserve and wit. I thought I would try 
the latter first. 
" Isn't it your duty ? " said I. 
She said nothing, but looked as if doubtful 
whether I was quizzing or not. 
" I can prove it by the Talmud," said I. 
A funny smile began to flicker round the cor- 
ners of her mouth. 
" I can establish it, text by text ! " 
'* Indeed ! " said she, archly, smiling malicious- 
ly at my anticipated perplexity. But I was ahead 
of her. 
" Do unto others as you would wish to be done 
unto. Ain't it proved, my pretty coz ? " 
" Well, really, you deserve something for your 
impudence : you're quite a logician. Did you 
learn that, too, at the Black Hills ? " and her eyes 
danced as she answered me. 
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