"Why not?"

"Because I am frightened and surprised."

"Dost dislike me then?"

"Oh, no! indeed, indeed we all love you; I love you Mishteer, but not—not as a girl ought to love her—lover."

"Say husband, Gwladys."

"Well, her husband."

"But I am satisfied to wait for that love. Wilt have me, girl?"

"Oh! Mishteer, we have drifted far out to sea; let us turn back; let me go home to mother—give me time."

"Of course!" said Hugh, beginning to use his oar again; "let us go back. I will not take thine answer here alone on the sea—I ought not to have asked thee; but to-morrow, Gwladys, to-morrow evening at this time, I will come to thee for my answer."

"Yes," whispered the girl, as she bent with a will to her oar.