Here was a great silvery iron-wood tree a-growing and spreading pleasant shade; and here we sat us down.
But now that I had got this maid Penelope away from the pest of suitors, it came suddenly to me that my pretenses were false, and I really had nothing to say to her which might not be discussed in company with others.
This knowledge presently embarrassed me to the point of feeling my face grow hot. But when I ventured to glance at her she smiled.
"Have you been in battle?" she asked.
"Yes."
After a silence: "I am most happy that you returned in safety."
"Did you ever—ever think of me?" I asked.
"Why, yes," she replied in surprise.
"I thought," said I, "that being occupied—and so greatly sought after by so many gallants—that you might easily have forgotten me."
She laughed and plucked a grass-blade.