Working alone out there had rendered him savage; he was not to be pushed any farther.

She knew by the tone of his voice that he must not be assaulted.

She slipped on her shoes and a shawl, and came back where he was working, and took a seat on a saw-horse.
"I'm a-goin' to set right here till you come in, Ethan Ripley," she said, in a firm voice, but gentler than usual.
"Waal, you'll set a good while," was his ungracious reply.

But each felt a furtive tenderness for the other.

He worked on in silence.