"Even in spite of sunburn?" she said.
"I was really touched, Cousin Diana, that your parents should remember me sufficiently for you to take the trouble to come to see me. It is a long time since anything has pleased me so much. I have been such a rover that I am a stranger in my own land."
Diana had not expected to feel guilty of false pretences, but this speech accused her even while it lent her increased courage, since his was a heart that could be touched.
"I hope you will visit us," she said, "after I return to Newport."
"Are you on your way there now?"
"No, not quite yet. It is difficult to tear one's self away from Casco Bay after one once falls under the spell."
Loring nodded. "I know the environment. Very piney and fresh and all that. Cold water though, very cold."
"Yes, but we all take dips in it."
"Youth!" said the sick man, shaking his head. "Youth!"
"If one does not swim, I know it is quite too cold," said Diana. "I am glad you are familiar with that country, for then you can sympathize with my enthusiasm. I long to have a place there of my own and, perhaps with such congruity of taste, you and I together can persuade my parents that it would not be too erratic in me to buy a part of that green hill and be there a little while every year."