I had to ride out to one of the outlying farms this morning, and we came back rather quickly." She moved about the hall as she spoke, putting little things to rights.
Then she passed up the circular staircase.

At the bend she looked back and caught him watching her.

She waved her hand with a little less than her usual frankness.

Tallente had forgotten for a moment his whereabouts, his fatigue, his general weariness.

He had turned around in his chair and was watching her.