When he came closer, she got up, not looking towards him; but he saw her clasp her hands behind her, the fingers plucking weakly at each other.

It was an old, childish fashion of hers, when she was frightened or hurt.

It would only need a word, and he could be quiet and firm,--she was such a child compared to him: he always had thought of her so.

He went on up to her slowly, and stopped; when she looked at him, he untied the linen bonnet that hid her face, and threw it back.

How thin and tired the little face had grown! Poor child! He put his strong arm kindly about her, and stooped to kiss her hand, but she drew it away.