 saved my life, Miss -- I don't know your name. I know your
aunt's, but not yours.«
    »I would just as soon not tell it - rather not. There is no reason either
why I should, as you probably will never have much to do with me.«
    »Still I should like to know.«
    »You can inquire at my aunt's - she will tell you.«
    »My name is Gabriel Oak.«
    »And mine isn't. You seem fond of yours in speaking it so decisively,
Gabriel Oak.«
    »You see, it is the only one I shall ever have, and I must make the most of
it.«
    »I always think mine sounds odd and disagreeable.«
    »I should think you might soon get a new one.«
    »Mercy! - how many opinions you keep about you concerning other people,
Gabriel Oak.«
    »Well, Miss - excuse the words - I thought you would like them. But I can't
match you, I know, in mapping out my mind upon my tongue. I never was very
clever in my inside. But I thank you. Come, give me your hand!«
    She hesitated, somewhat disconcerted at Oak's old-fashioned earnest
conclusion to a dialogue lightly carried on. »Very well,« she said, and gave him
her hand, compressing her lips to a demure impassivity. He held it but an
instant, and in his fear of being too demonstrative, swerved to the opposite
extreme, touching her fingers with the lightness of a small-hearted person.
    »I am sorry,« he said the instant after.
    »What for?«
    »Letting your hand go so quick.«
    »You may have it again if you like; there it is.« She gave him her hand
again.
    Oak held it longer this time - indeed, curiously long. »How soft it is -
being winter time, too - not chapped or rough, or anything!« he said.
    »There - that's long enough,« said she, though without pulling it away. »But
I suppose you are thinking you would like to kiss it? You may if you want to.«
    »I wasn't thinking of any such thing,« said Gabriel simply; »but I will --«
    »That you won't!« She snatched back her hand.
    Gabriel felt himself guilty of another want of tact.
    »Now find out my name,«
