Internal laughter shook him, and once again he set his feet far apart, as if that aided him to look at her.
'I am even now so frightened,' she uttered, 'that it is as if another spoke with my throat.'
His great mouth relaxed as if he accepted as his due a piece of skilful flattery. Suddenly she sank down upon her knees, her dress spreading out beneath her, her hands extended and her red lips parted as the beak of a bird opens with terror. He uttered lightly:
'Why, get up. You should kneel so only to your God,' and he touched his cap, with his habitual heavy gesture, at the sacred name.
'I have somewhat to ask,' she whispered.
He laughed again.
'They are always asking! But get up. I have left my stick in my room. Help me to my door.'
She felt the heavy weight of his arm upon her shoulder as soon as she stood beside him.
He asked her suddenly what she knew of the Fortunate Islands that she had talked of in her speech.