Nettie knew better. "It's very difficult to bandage your hands. If you don't want my help, let me do that at least?"

They were quite a sight, and while they couldn't do much for the bruising, it was the cuts that were needed her help. "I'll leave afterwards so you can have your dignity. " for that was all she could imagine that he wouldn't accept the help to make it easier.

She watched him for a moment, and she could recall even as a child, this towering quiet figure with the patience of a Saint. He always was in his own mind except when she needed him. And here he was, needing help bit preferring to do it alone.

"I can always . . . Wait outside if you prefer? In case you change your mind?" How she yearned to know who did this to him. She couldn't ask around, people would put things together. She had to be quiet and hope it didn't repeat itself.