"I'm quite stiff after that long drive."
The moment the words were out of her mouth she wished to recall them. This was no way to begin. It was actually as if she had been trying to excuse herself for not coming more quickly when she was called. His whole attitude of frowning impatience showed that he had expected her to come at the sound of his voice. His face cleared at once.
"Are you cold?" he asked with a certain anxiety.
"No, not a bit; I was so well wrapped up."
"Well, it's freezing pretty hard. But, you see, it's your first winter and you won't feel the cold like we do?"
"How odd," said Nora. "I'll just bring some of the things in." She had an odd feeling that she didn't want to be alone with him just now, and said the first thing that entered her head.
"Don't touch the trunk, it's too heavy for you."
"Oh, I'm as strong as a horse."
"Don't touch it."
"I won't," she laughed.