"What have I done?" she faltered.
"Why, nothing," he answered.
"You were staring at me so queerly," she answered. "The business which takes you away is pleasant, isn't it?"
He smiled reassuringly.
"Connected with your work, I suppose?"
Her curiosity was natural. He always spoke of his work to her.
"No," he said shortly. "It is not. I dare say you think that I could not be really keen about anything or anybody outside of my work. If I told you——"
He closed his lips, wondering why the truth had so nearly leaked from them. His joy had expanded so quickly, that it exacted a larger habitation.
"I have nothing to tell yet," he said confusedly, "but I may write; you shall hear from me; I shall be frank—with you."
He fell into a reverie, as she left the shelter. In a minute she returned.