He modestly grasped her fingers, breathed on her hand, and replied,-- "I could not come." "You did not want to come," said the woman, smiling.
"I could not," he reiterated.
"You could had you wished, I know it; and I know also why you did not come." She added, "Well, now you are here at last, and it is well.
Mitsha, give your friend something to eat." The significant word "friend" fell on fertile soil.

It eased Okoya at once.

He sat down closer to the hearth, where the maiden was very busy in a rather confused manner, her face turned from him.

Still as often as the strands of hair accidentally parted on the left cheek, she shot quick side-glances at him.

Okoya, balancing himself on his heels, quietly observed her.