Denis was standing in her path, a common wide-awake drooping from one hand, the other reaching out for hers.
"I didn't recognize you," she said, scarcely touching his hand. "And I was looking for Captain Devenish—can you tell me where he is?"
"He has gone down to bathe," replied Denis with some reluctance. To bathe where a ship's company had been drowned that week! No wonder Nan winced. "Can't you spare me a few minutes instead?" he added as she was about to turn.
"Oh, yes, if you wish it."
"Of course I wish it!" exclaimed Denis. His shoulders looked very square under the coarse red flannel; but they were heaving, too.
Nan was her own mistress on the spot. "I couldn't know," said she. "You see, you never sent me any message—not one word."
"I shall tell you why."
"And then I understood you were going to the diggings."
"So I am," said Denis. His voice was preternaturally deep and vibrant. She looked up at him with the odd light in her eyes.
"And why haven't you gone yet?"