The dimple at the corner of her mouth was barely manifest as she said, demurely, "You should have stayed, then; for you are the one who frightened me."
"I'm sorry," he said. "I told you that before."
"Yes, I know." She sighed, and added, "It was awful, though, and I shall never forget it."
"Neither shall I."
He was beside her now, for the trail had widened, and he put his hand upon the small white one that held Queen's bridle.
"That day," he said huskily, "you put your hand in mine,—when we met the Captain,—a little, cold hand."
She nodded, but did not take her hand away. "I was dreadfully frightened then, and you saved me."
His blood leaped in his veins. "That's nothing—I'd do more than that for you, any time. I had my reward before I had earned it."
The girl's violet eyes opened wide. "I don't understand."
"Have you forgotten that I had my arm around you, just for a minute? I have dreamed of it ever since—dear."