Shall I relate that part of the story ?" Her eyes softened, her lips almost smiling.
"Yes," she said.

"I am glad to know; tell me all." I described Tim's part in the whole tragedy swiftly, while he shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other and occasionally interjected some comment or correction.

He was not wholly at ease in the role of hero, nor under the steadfast gaze of her eyes.

As I stopped speaking she held out her hand frankly.
"Then I shall count you my friend now," she said simply.

"And I am so delighted to understand everything.