The five hours' torture of her thinking wrung a low sob from the woman at his side.
He woke.

His hand searched for her hand.

At his touch she drew it away, and moved from under her cramped shoulder the thick, warm braid of her hair.

It tossed a gleam of pale gold to the risen light.

She felt his drowsy, affectionate fingers pressing and smoothing the springy bosses of the braid.
The caress kindled her dull thoughts to a point of flame.