There was silence between them, but the wind ceased not. Then she relented and made it easy for him.
"I say you never know; because presently you'll be sure to see a girl that you'll like. No doubt you think not; but you will."
"I have—I have!"
She hardened her heart again.
"Ah! So soon? Well, if I may give you advice, you lie low till that fifty's up in three figures. Then—very like she'll take 'e, if nobody better comes in the meantime."
She looked at him and saw his face grow long and his jaw droop.
Then she suddenly threw her arms round him.
"You dear, great monster!" she said.
"Eh—what! Good God!" cried the man; and his emotion heaved up, slow and mighty, like the swing of a wave. He could say nothing; but he kept her face close to his and kissed her pale hair; then his arms tightened round her, and she felt the immense strength of them, and the great uplift of his ribs against her breast.
"I can't let 'e go; I'll never let 'e go again, I do believe," he said at last.