Without replying, Stewart opened the bundle, thoughtfully selected a strand of the beautiful hair inside it and placed the lock carefully in a flapped compartment of his pocket-book. Then he re-tied the bundle and threw over it some of the severed stalks.
“It seems a shame to leave it,” he said. “That is a beautiful gown—and the hair! Think of those barbarians opening the bundle and finding that lovely hair!”
The girl, who had been watching him with brilliant eyes, laughed a little and caught his hand.
“How foolish! Come along! I think I shall let you keep that lock of hair!” she added, thoughtfully.
Stewart looked at her quickly and saw that the dimple was visible.
“Thank you!” he said. “Of course I should have asked. Forgive me!”
She gave him a flashing little smile, then, bending low, hurried forward through the grain. Beyond the field lay a stretch of woodland, and presently they heard the sound of running water, and came to a brook flowing gently over a clean and rocky bed.
With a cry of delight, the girl dropped to her knees beside it, bent far over and drank deep; then threw off her coat, pushed her sleeves above her elbows, and laved hands and face in the cool water.
“How fortunate my hair is short!” she said, contemplating her reflection. “Otherwise it would be a perfect tangle. I make a very nice boy, do you not think so?”
“An adorable boy!” agreed Stewart, heartily.