"These old-fashioned lanterns are a lot nicer than the electric flash things," she remarked.
They sat down with the lantern between them, her right hand resting upon its wire guard for a moment. The glow emphasized its fine length and firmness. The left hand was bandaged and he saw her thrust it quickly out of sight.
"You haven't let me say how happy I am that you are able to be up, or how grateful I am for this glimpse of you. It's always just glimpses."
"Maybe it's better that way! But so much happens between our meetings; there was never anything like it in all the world. Never was an acquaintance so pursued by storms! I wonder where the blow will fall next?"
"Not on your head," he answered decisively, "not if the Governor and I can prevent it. But let us not waste time on that; I want your assurance that you are really well."
"Oh, perfectly; not an ache from the ducking; only this little reminder my hand will carry for a day or two; but that's nothing to worry about!"
There was a restraint upon them, due perhaps to the calming influence of the stars, the murmurings of the shore in conference with the pines.
"The things that have happened since we first met would make a large book," he said with an accession of courage, "but a separate volume would have to be written about your hands."
She fell back at once upon her defenses.
"Oh, are they as large as that!"