There was something almost boyish in his laugh.

It transformed him utterly, and it had a marvellous effect upon her.
She laughed also and was instantly at her ease.

She suddenly discovered that he was young in spite of his ruggedness, and she warmed to him in consequence.
"But I really was sorry," she protested.

"And I knew I ought to have told you so before.

But, somehow"-- she flushed under his eyes--"I hadn't the courage.