In the groves adjoining the colony, for a mile on either side, wherever there was a big tree, a circular seat had been built about it. It was on one of these that we sat down, without a word.
I laid my head against Hildreth's shoulder. Soothingly she began stroking my hair. With cool fingers she stroked it.
"What fine hair you have. It's as soft and silky as a girl's."
"I took after my mother in that."
"What a mixture you are ... manly and strong ... an athlete, yet sensitive, so sensitive that sometimes it hurts to look at your face when you talk ... you've suffered a lot, Johnnie."
"In curious ways, yes."
"Tell me about yourself. I won't even whisper it in the dark, when I'm alone."
"I know I can trust you, Hildreth."
"What are you doing, boy?"