'I shall set you ashore and come back at dark when the bear fight is over.'
'Not a bit of it! See here she comes, the little darling Star, bless her,' as over the wire netting, that guarded the croquet balls from the river, sprang the little figure attracted by the well-known boat.
'Oh! I'm so sorry,' was her apologetic cry to the captain, then stopping short, the bright colour flew to her cheeks.
'Well you may, to have such a mob to receive what I've brought you, my pretty. Yes, yes, no mistake about him,' as Charlie bounded to her side; 'but what's this? who's this big fellow in the yellow beard? Did you ever see anybody like him? He looks as much astounded as you.'
'You didn't say it was Stella!' ejaculated the tall, powerful personage designated. 'She was just toddling when I went out.'
'You're Fulbert then!' she said, looking up as she was folded in a big brotherly embrace.
'Yes, to be sure, you pretty little thing. I declare you are a beauty after all! And who's this?'
'I can't expect to be remembered,' said the white-whiskered sunburnt clergyman in a broad shady hat and green shade over his eyes.
'But I think I remember your voice,' said Stella, 'Oh how glad my brother will be!'
'And Lance, is he here?' cried Fulbert, eagerly.