In such a crowd Wilfred was standing when he first caught sight of Lahoma among those descending to the jostling platform.He had not known how she would look,and certainly she was much changed from the girl of fifteen,but he made his way to her side without the slightest hesitation.
Lahoma!
She turned sharply with a certain ease of movement suggesting fearless freedom.Her eyes looked straight into the young man's with penetrating keenness which instantly softened to pleasure.Why I how glad I am to see you!she cried,giving him her hand as they withdrew from the rush.But how did you know me?
How did YOU know?he returned,pleased and thrilled by her glowing brown hair,her eloquent eyes,her warm-tinted cheeks,her form,as erect as of yore,but not so thin--as pleased and thrilled as if all these belonged to him.How did you know ME?he repeated,looking and looking,as if he would never be able to believe that she had turned out so much better than he had ever dreamed she would.
Oh,said Lahoma,when I looked into your face,I saw myself as a girl sitting under the cedar trees in the cove,with Brick and Bill.
Just you three?demanded Wilfred wistfully--also smilingly.
Oho!exclaimed Lahoma,showing her perfect little teeth as if about to bite,in a way that filled him with fearful joy,and so they showed you that letter!
JUST you three?repeated Wilfred.Just room enough in the cove for you--and Brick--and Bill?
Listen to me,Wilfred,and I will do the talking.Well?
She lowered her voice to a whisper--Lean your head closer.