He snapped off a dry twig and began to break it into bits. Then he kicked a stone out of the path, keeping his face away from her.
She experienced a peculiar embarrassment. Where was the happy medium between warmth and coolness? She liked the brotherly friendship they had fallen into. Was it friendship really?
“If I did want anything,—I should not hesitate—to come to you.”
Then they walked on in uncomfortable silence. It was very awkward. In the new light coming to Fan, she felt there was something unsaid. Was it best to get over it as rapidly as possible, leave it behind?
“I think we must return. Papa may want me.”
He turned reluctantly. She quickened her pace at first.
“Don’t hurry. The day will come to an end soon enough. I should like it to last a week, at least.”
“What an odd idea. We only want pleasant days to last.”
“Isn’t this pleasant to you?”
“Why—yes. All my days are pleasant for that matter. But I thought it was beginning to bore you.”