This girl, always slow of speech and action, now seemed almost stupid.

She put forth a hand that might have indicated the groping of her mind.

Suddenly she stepped swiftly to him, with a look and touch that drove from him any doubt of her quick intelligence or feeling.
"Oldring has men watch the herds--they would kill you.

You must never go again!" When she had spoken, the strength and the blaze of her died, and she swayed toward Venters.
"Bess, I'll not go again," he said, catching her.
She leaned against him, and her body was limp and vibrated to a long, wavering tremble.

Her face was upturned to his.