Sometimes, you know, you are rather--I don't know what to say--but queer, as if you did not like--people, or were carrying some terrible secret," she added with a little laugh.
"Secret?
I am, but not for long.

I am going to tell you the secret.

Do you want to hear it now ?" The note of desperation in his voice startled the girl.

"Oh, no," she cried hurriedly.

"Where have we got to?
There are no birds in this open prairie here.