He appeared not to hear that or to note it; he was eying her up and down; and he moved closer, perhaps to estimate her height compared to his own.
“I didn't know you were so tall. You're above my shoulder.”
“Yes, I'm very lanky.”
“Lanky! Why you're not that. You've a splendid figure—tall, supple, strong; you're like a Nez Perce girl I knew once.... You're a beautiful thing. Didn't you know that?”
“Not particularly. My friends don't dare flatter me. I suppose I'll have to stand it from you. But I didn't expect compliments from Jack Kells of the Border Legion.”
“Border Legion? Where'd you hear that name?”
“I didn't hear it. I made it up—thought of it myself.”
“Well, you've invented something I'll use.... And what's your name—your first name? I heard Roberts use it.”
Joan felt a cold contraction of all her internal being, but outwardly she never so much as nicked an eyelash. “My name's Joan.”
“Joan!” He placed heavy, compelling hands on her shoulders and turned her squarely toward him.