“I was going to tell them tomorrow,” she said slowly.
“You will,” he said more brightly. “You have my permission to tell your parents about me, but nobody else, mind you!”
Gale smiled. “Right you are, Mr. Hermit!”
While they were talking Gale was busy and in a few minutes his supper stood hot and inviting.
“Come along and eat,” she invited.
“Not until I see you safely off in your boat,” he insisted.
She sighed. “I was going to wash the dishes for you, but I’ll go.”
He came close to her and put some money in her hand. “For the groceries,” he explained.
“But this is too much——”
“Well, I’m going to need some more, won’t I?” he asked gaily.