I knew not what to say, or how any effort on my part would be received.

Instantly there had been a barrier erected between us which she alone could lower.

Those were long minutes I sat there, speechless, gazing straight ahead, my brain inert, my hand hard on the tiller.

Suddenly, with a swift thrill which sent my blood leaping, I felt the soft touch of her fingers.
"Are you afraid to speak to me ?" she asked, pleadingly.

"Surely I have said nothing to anger you." "No, it is not that," I returned in confusion, not knowing how to express the cause of my hesitancy.