She had been angry with him; but now she realized that her resentment had disappeared.

He had spoken so kindly after the outburst.

Had he not shown that he considered himself her protector and lover?
A strange emotion, sweet and subtle as the taste of wine, thrilled her, while a sense of fear because of his strength was mingled with her pride in it.

Any other girl would have been only too glad to have such a champion; she would, too, hereafter, for he was a man of whom to be proud.
"Look here, Nell, you haven't spoken to me," Joe cried suddenly, seeming to understand that she had not even heard what he said, so engrossed had she been with her reflections.

"Are you mad with me yet ?" he continued.