The name quickly disappeared from the sands, and a flushed face turned towards her.
“Yes—O, yes—how do you do? Nice evening—isn’t it?” answered Harry, hurriedly.
“Why, what in the world are you doing there? Why don’t you come in?”
“Thank you; not just now. I’m very busy thinking.”
“Indeed! Then perhaps I’d better retire. I wouldn’t for the world interrupt your new occupation,” said Becky; and a merry laugh rippled on her lips.
“That’s right; laugh, Becky. It’s an old occupation, that, very becoming to you,” returned Harry. “It reminds me of the days when we were both so young and innocent. Ah, those good old days! We were great friends then, Becky.”
“I hope we are good friends now, Harry.”
“Of course we are. But now you are quite a woman, full of cares; yet a brave, good, noble little woman, rich and courted.”
“Thanks to those who trained the vine once running to waste, flatterer. What I am I owe to those who loved me; what I might have been without their aid, not all the riches in the world could have prevented.”