Then he heard the rustle of Naida's skirt and turned to meet her.

She was pale from her weeks of nursing, and agitated for fear of what this unexpected call might portend.

Yet to his thought she appeared calm, her manner restrained.

Nor could anything be kinder than her first greeting, the frankly extended hand, the words expressive of welcome.
"Mr.Wynkoop informed me a few minutes ago that you had at last received your orders for the north," she said, her lips slightly trembling.

"I wondered if you would leave without a word of farewell." He bowed low.