"But you must have done something brave, and that's why you didn't tell me about the explosion."
Tom did not answer. The machinery of his voice would not turn. The power ran through his throat like cogwheels out of gear.
"My dear, sweet, brave, modest husband."
"I—I'm not all of that."
"Yes you are. You were the bravest man there. How many fainting women did you rescue?"
"Oh, not many. I think only five or six."
"Did you inhale much of the flame and smoke?"
"Yes, I think I must have inhaled some, but I did not notice it until now."
"Was the smoke very thick?"