"Don't be alarmed," said a quiet, casual voice. "It's only me."
"Only you!" she echoed, blushing crimson. "I wasn't expecting anyone just now."
"Oh, but I don't count," he said. He was standing on the bank above her, looking down upon her with eyes so kindly that she found it impossible to be vexed with him, or even embarrassed after that first moment.
She reached up her hand to him.
"I'm coming out."
He took the small wrist, and helped her ashore. She looked up at him and laughed.
"I'm glad you've come," she said simply.
"Thank you," he returned, equally simply. "How are you getting on?"
"Oh, beautifully! I'm as happy as the day is long."
She began to rub her bare feet in the grass.