"Oh no! It is the truth. My father is not at all like you, nor is Mr. Jarner, the vicar. I have never seen any one like you," she finished, looking at him with great interest.
"Not even Sir Alurde?"
"Oh, don't talk any more of that picture, or I shall be sorry I spoke of it."
She was quite unsophisticated, and frankly uttered the thoughts that came into her mind. Hence the flimsy dialogue which ensued between them. Dan, unused to such candour, could not help feeling charmed at the purity of the soul thus laid bare to his gaze.
"I saw you at the Gates of Dawn," said she, with an evident desire to change the subject. "Were you not very shocked at my appearing with bare feet?"
"I was charmed."
"Nonsense, Dan! It was an accident. I was swimming, and the tide carried away my shoes and stockings. I did not mind it much till I saw you. Then I felt dreadfully ashamed."
"Why should you? 'Beauty unadorned is adorned the most!'"
"You speak like Sir Charles Grandison," said Meg, with a blush at the compliment.
"Ah! you have read that book?"