“A little,” I answered. “I shall be all right in a minute.” I did not add, “Put me down, please;” for I did not want to be put down directly. I could not have stood if he had put me down. I grew faint.
Life came back, and I felt myself growing heavy in his arms.
“I think I can stand now,” I said. “Please put me down.”
He obeyed immediately.
“I've nearly broken your arms,” I said, ashamed of having become a burden to him the moment we met.
“I could run with you to the top of the hill!” he answered.
“I don't think you could,” I returned. Perhaps I leaned a little toward him; I do not know. He put his arm round me.
“You are not able to stand,” he said. “Shall we sit a moment?”