she placed her hand , oh so gently , on his knee . i 'm not bloody sensitive , '' he said , but his tone was gruff . he considered this , recognized the truth of it , and decided it was time to take a chance . total reversal in a matter of hours . `` just as i said : hysterical females , the whole bunch of them ! '' after an hour or so she awoke . im relieved when he doesnt sound as if i offended him . 