He
looked down at the hands nervously clenched in his grasp. He was older in
that moment, more manly, than she had ever seen him.
"What's the matter, little girl?" he said softly. "What are you afraid
of?"
"Nothing," said Toby instantly, and threw up her chin in the old
dauntless way.
He looked at her closely. "Sure?"
The blue eyes met his with defiance. "Of course I'm sure. That horrid
trap upset me, that's all."
He continued to look at her steadily. "That isn't why you won't have
anything to say to me," he said.
Her colour rose under his gaze, but she would not avoid it. "Does it
matter why?" she said.
"It does when I want to know," he answered. Again his look went to her
hands. "How the little brute scored you! So much for gratitude!"
"You don't expect gratitude from a creature wild with fright," said Toby.
She spoke rather breathlessly, and he saw that she was on the verge of
tears again. He got up and drew her to her feet.
"Let's walk for a bit!" he said.
She stood as one in doubt and he felt that she was trembling.
"I say--don't!" he said suddenly and winningly. "I won't do anything you
don't like, I swear. You shan't be bothered. Can't you trust me?"
She made a little movement towards him, and he put his arm round her
shoulders.
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