It held beauty of curve and fullness and color that could not hide a certain sadness and bitterness.

Then the whole flashing brown face changed for Jean.

He saw that it was young, full of passion and restraint, possessing a power which grew on him.

This, with her shame and pathos and the fact that she craved respect, gave a leap to Jean's interest.
"Well, I reckon you flatter me," he said, hoping to put her at her ease again.

"I'm only a rough hunter an' fisherman-woodchopper an' horse tracker.