"Philip, are you angry with me?" Barbara's voice was hoarse and thin.

Philip looked back. His shoulders moved slightly. "Angry? No. Why did you ask that?"

Barbara looked down. "Sorry if you have a cowardly wife like me."

Philip sat down hastily. His hand held her shoulder. "Don't say that, Babe. Everyone has weaknesses or fears. You're afraid of blood, you're afraid of pain. That's natural."

"But you have no fear. I should be a worthy wife to you."

Seeing how Barbara peeked out from ...