the girl smiled thankful and started to recall . and if there was , i wouldnt let you . how did you discover all that ? your father and grandmother will go with you , help you get settled . '' he continues in a whisper , `` never meant to hurt you . but i have thought of that very thing more than once . he nodded once , moving as though the effort were almost too great , but then rubbed a hand across his face as though he were trying to keep alert . 