“Did you imagine that I would let you go alone?”
“You are very kind.”
“And what are you, then? Your shoes are wringing wet, my child. Your dress is thin, too, for this time of year. Wrap this coat of mine around you. There! and put on this hat.”
Peter laughed as he coiffed her in the soft felt hat that came down over her ears; she looked charming and quaint in the grotesque costume. Hilda responded with a quiet, patient little smile, gathering together the wide sleeves of the covert coat. Odd lit a cigar, put on his own hat, took her hand, and they sallied forth.
“You came across, I suppose?”
“Yes, by the woods.”
“And you weren’t frightened?”
He felt the patient little smile in the darkness as she replied—
“You know already that I am a coward.”
“I know, on the contrary, that you are amazingly courageous. The flesh may be weak, but the spirit is willing with a vengeance. Eh, Hilda?”