Behind Sanderson the bedroom door opened. He turned quickly. Big Marie stood there. Her dark face was sullen.
"How is she?"
"She's all right. It was a strain on her, suddenly seeing him sitting there the size of a doll when the last time she had seen him he had been a full-sized man going up the slope."
"It always is a strain the first time you see it. Will she be all right?"
"Yes. Maybe her dreams won't be so good for a while. Why did she come here?"
"I didn't ask her."
Big Marie stared steadily at him. "What is she to you, John?"
"Nothing. She just arrived."
"If she becomes anything to you I will kill her," Big Marie said calmly.
"Damn it, Marie, I've got enough trouble on my hands without you trying to blow a fuse. If I want the woman, I'll take her. If I don't want her, I won't take her. Is that clear?"