The admiration of her childhood returned, but without the shackles of shyness.

She had always trusted him absolutely, and to this trust was now added understanding.

To have him pop into her life again in this fashion, all the ordinary approaches to intimacy wiped out by these amazing episodes; the years bridged in an hour! If only he were younger! "Watch them, miss.

Don't be afraid to shoot.

I'll return in a moment"-- still gruffly.