passion.

I bowed low, and advanced to kiss her hand.

The finger tips which she slowly and reluctantly resigned to me
were icy, and the look with which she favored me was not such an
one as poets feign for like occasions. I shrugged the shoulders of
my spirit, but said nothing. So, hand in hand, though at arms'
length, we passed from the shade of the cedars into the open
meadow, where we presently met Hamor and his party. They
would have barred the way, laughing and making unsavory jests,
but I drew her closer to me and laid my hand upon my sword. They
stood aside, for I was the best swordsman in Virginia.

The meadow was now less thronged. The river, up and down, was
white with sailboats, and across the neck of the peninsula went a
line of horsemen, each with his purchase upon a pillion behind
him. The Governor, the Councilors, and the commanders had
betaken themselves to the Governor's house, where a great dinner
was to be given. But Master Piersey, the Cape Merchant, remained
to see the Company reimbursed to the last leaf, and the four
ministers still found occupation, though one couple trod not upon
the heels of another, as they had done an hour agone.

"I must first satisfy the treasurer," I said, coming to a halt within
fifty feet of the now deserted high places.

She drew her hand from mine, and looked me up and down.

"How much is it?" she asked at last. "I will pay it."