"You don't want to catch up with the others, do you?" spoke Colin entreatingly.
"No—oh no. They're too far ahead," said Lily hurriedly.
The hillside became steeper, and the gorse-bushes that stood up amidst the tough springing heather became more numerous.
"I think I'd better go first and—and help you, if I may."
He thrust the stiff, green spires aside, and held out his hand.
Lily tremulously placed hers within his grasp.
They climbed slowly, without speaking.
"Shall we sit down for a minute?" Colin suggested, when the end of the steep path was reached, and Lily had softly, but definitely, withdrawn her hand from his.
They leant against a boulder, and Colin detected a tiny tuft of white heather.
"Let's each pick a piece of it, and not tell anyone where we found it."