but there was something about the way he bent toward her , and the way she half-turned away from him , then back , swinging a fold of her skirt one-handed ... `` oh , dear , '' i said . he gave her a bone melting smile . `` oh , no , '' he says , and he 's laughing now , too . the sun lights it up like a flame . '' you understand , we just need to make sure . the door to the room was open and i could see a sliver of hallway . 