‘I had not thought of that. It must have been dreadful for you waiting here alone.’
‘You do not think so, I can see.’
‘Brion, don’t be cross with me.’
Her tone, her attitude were so sweet and coaxing, he could resist no longer. He put his hands on her shoulders.
‘You want to laugh, Joan. Well, laugh, a’God’s name, since it is like birds in sunlight to see and hear you.’
‘Well, I will not, lest it hurt you.’
‘Why, thou art laughing now. Has this place, indeed, no fears for you?’
‘Why should it? I have done no evil in it.’
‘That is true, Joan, and a truth that shames me. Conscience should fear no spectres but its own. What made you late?’
‘Nothing but the mist itself: I must needs pick my way at first. So, if the mist was part of your plan and procuring, you are the one to blame.’