in my heart, big and noble and true — that you did love just me.” She faltered, but still held him from her. “Do you think I would not do all I can to keep from spoiling your life over there?”

“Stop, stop. It is enough,” he cried. In spite of herself, he took her hands in his and drew her to him in penitent tenderness. “I’m no great lord with wide distances between me and your mountain world here, Cassandra; never think it. I’m tremendously near to the soul of things, and the man of the wilderness is strong in me. One thing you have not touched upon. Tell me, what did Frale say or do to you to so trouble you and send you off?”

She stirred in his arms and waited, then murmured, “He pestered me.”