She longed so for just one word—one sign of affection; but Jimmy only sat there, hot and uncomfortable and silent.
After a moment:
"Better?" he asked.
"Yes . . ." She tried to control herself; she stammered a little shamed apology. "I'm so sorry—Jimmy."
He patted her hand.
"That's all right."
She took courage; she looked into his face.
"And you do—oh, you do love me?" she whispered.
"Of course I do." He put an awkward arm round her; he pressed her head to his shoulder, so that she could not see his face. "Of course I do," he said again. "Don't you worry—we're going to be awfully happy." He kissed her cheek.
Christine turned and put her arms round his neck; she was only a child still—she saw no reason at all why she should not let Jimmy know how very much she loved him.