Our obstinate paths met at the base of a small point white with alkali, running shortly into the sedges. Had we timed by agreement beforehand we could not have acted with more precision. So here we halted, in narrow quarters, either willing but unable to yield to the other.
She smiled. I thought that she looked thinner.
“An unexpected pleasure, Mr. Beeson. At least, for me. It has been some days.”
“I believe it has,” I granted. “Shall I pass on?”
“You might have turned aside.”
“And so,” I reminded, “might you.”
“Neither did I, madam. The pond is free to all.”
I was conscious that a hush seemed to have gripped the whole camp, so that even the animals had ceased bawling. The children near us stared, eyes and mouths open.
“You have kept away from me purposely?” she asked. “I do not blame your discretion.”