precious time

Never!' said Tess independently, holding on as well as she could without touching him. ¡¡¡¡`Let me put one little kiss on those holmberry lips, Tess, or even on that warmed cheek, and I'll stop - on my honour, I will!' ¡¡¡¡Tess, surprised beyond measure, slid farther back still on her seat, at which he urged the horse anew, and rocked her the more. ¡¡¡¡`Will nothing else do?' she cried at length, in desperation, her large eyes staring at him like those of a wild animal. This dressing her up so prettily by her mother hid apparently been to lamentable purpose. ¡¡¡¡`Nothing, dear Tess,' he replied. ¡¡¡¡`Oh, I don't know - very well; I don't mind!' she panted miserably. ¡¡¡¡He drew rein, and as they slowed he was on the point of imprinting the desired salute, when, as if hardly yet aware of her own modesty, she dodged aside. His arms being occupied with the reins there was left him no power to prevent her manoeuvre.