like his voice , like his laughter and like the now gazillion times he 'd demonstrated his gentlemanly behavior ( for instance , i did not have to ask for a glass of champagne , sam always procured them for me , i did not have to walk unguided or unprotected , sam always was close with a hand at the small of my back or arm curled around my waist and i did not have to introduce myself to anyone and start conversation , sam did it for me and was certain to lead any discourse so i never , not once , felt left out or ill-at-ease ) , the position he held me in settled in my soul , deep and warm .