Ralph saw this, and his face clouded.
"What have I done? Are you angry with me, Lina?" he whispered, as Ben pushed the boat off and gathered up his oars.
"Angry! No, I cannot tell. What has happened to us, Ralph?"
"Don't you remember, Lina?"
"Remember?—yes—now. Oh, it was horrible!"
"I, Lina, I shall always remember it with more pleasure than pain."
She lifted her eyes with a timid, questioning glance. The young man drew close to her, and as Ben dashed his oars in the water, thus drowning his voice to all but her, whispered—
"Because it has told me in my heart of hearts how entirely I love you, Lina."
Her maidenly shame was aroused now. She shrunk from his glance, blushing and in silence.
"Will you not speak to me, Lina?"