She liked hearing his quaint Bush colloquialisms, when he leaned out of the window at the small stations and exchanged greetings with whomsoever happened to be there--officials, navvies, miners, even Chinamen--most of whom saluted him with a 'Glad to see you back, sir!' ...

or a 'Good-day, Boss.

Good luck to you,' as if they all knew the significance of this wedding journey--which no doubt they all did.
Bridget kept in the background and smiled enigmatically at it all.

She was interested in her husband both in the personal and abstract sense, and was a little surprised at herself for being pleased when he paid her any attention or sat down beside her.

At moments, she even hankered after the touch of his fingers, and had a perverse desire to break down the restraint he was so manifestly putting upon himself.