Oh, of course. You were collecting firewood. [Even though "collecting firewood" obviously means felling trees to you. But it's an effective way, so she only nods her head, twirling one of her curls around her finger.]
It was very lucky, indeed. I wonder what you would have done, had you not already started with the tree.
[Again, it's not a question, not a direct one- she'll wait to see what he comes up with. There's still a smile playing on her lips, as this is by far the most intriguing and engaging conversation she's had in a long time. There's just that something in not knowing exactly what the answer will be, and she's thrilled.]