He appeared taller, wider of shoulder, deeper-chested, more powerfully built.

But was that only her fancy--he had always been a young giant--was the change one of spirit?
He might have been absent for years, proven by fire and steel, grown like Lassiter, strong and cool and sure.

His eyes--were they keener, more flashing than before ?--met hers with clear, frank, warm regard, in which perplexity was not, nor discontent, nor pain.
"Look at me long as you like," he said, with a laugh.

"I'm not much to look at.

And, Jane, neither you nor Lassiter, can brag.