I was coming to it.

I tried yesterday, but you were so cold.
I was afraid.

I couldn't keep it much longer." "Very well, most mysterious lady, tell your wonderful secret." "You needn't laugh," she retorted, with a first glimpse of reviving spirit.

"I can take the laugh out of you in one second." "It's a go." She ran through the spruces to the cave, and returned carrying something which was manifestly heavy.

Upon nearer view he saw that whatever she held with such evident importance had been bound up in a black scarf he well remembered.