"I do not want any reward, it is only returning what has been given."
He knew many things miladi had grudged her, most of all the home, since it was of his providing and intent.
They wandered on in silence for some time. Both hearts were too full for commonplace talk, and he did not dare venture out of safe lines. He could not pretend to fatherly love, even that cloaked by brotherliness would be but a sham, he knew. He had his own honor to satisfy, as well as her guilelessness.
Now it was quite dark.
"Oh, I must go back. It has been so pleasant that I have loitered. Let us run down this slope."
She held out her hand, and he took it. They skimmed over the ground like children. Then there were the steps to climb, but she was up the first.
"Good-night." She waved her white hand, and he saw it in the darkness.
"The saints bless and keep you."
She ran over to the level and then up again toward the kitchen end. There was a savory smell of supper. A moose had been killed and divided around.
"Oh, how delightful! Is there enough for two bites? One will not satisfy me. But I must see miladi."