But as the room, its disorder abated, took on a more pleasant aspect, as the fire crackled and blazed on the hearth, and the flush of sunrise spread over the east, he grew--he could not but grow, for he was young--more cheerful also.

He swept the floor and filled the kettle and let in the air; and had done almost all he knew how to do, before he heard Anne's foot upon the stairs.
She had slept little and looked pale and haggard; almost more pale and wan than he had ever seen her look.

And this must have sunk his heart to zero, if a certain item in her aspect had not at the same time diverted his attention.

"You are not going out ?" he cried in astonishment.

She wore her hood.
"I am not going to defend myself again," she answered, smiling sadly.
"Have no fear.