"And ugly, and messy and an idiot—"
"Hold on! You're double-crossing the indictment. I'm the offended idiot," declared the Tyro, opening his eyes upon her.
She took advantage of his indiscretion.
"Am I red-nosed?"
"You are. At least, you will be when you cry again."
"I'll cry straight off this minute, if you don't promise to take it all back."
"I'll promise—the instant we touch shore."
There was a gravity in his tone that banished her mischief.
"Perhaps I don't really want you to take it back," she said wistfully.
"Ah, but with firm earth under our feet once more, and realities all around us—"