“There, you had better sit down and rest for a few minutes. You are quite out of breath.”
Madelaine looked startled, for she had been so intent upon their conversation that she had not heeded their going up the cliff walk.
“Sit down,” said Leslie; and she obeyed. “Get your breath, and we’ll walk back to your house together; but what do you think of it all?”
“I cannot help thinking that it would for many reasons be better.”
“So do I,” said Leslie, “in spite of the risk.”
“Risk?”
“Yes. Suppose I get into an imbroglio with Master Harry? He’s as peppery as can be. How then?”
“You will be firm and forbearing,” said Madelaine gravely. “I have no fear.”
“Well, I have. I know myself better than you know me,” said Leslie, placing a foot on the seat and resting his arm on his knee, as he spoke thoughtfully. “I am a very hotheaded kind of Highlander by descent, and there’s no knowing what might happen. Now one more question. Shall I open fire on your father to-night?”
“That requires more consideration,” said Madelaine. “We will talk that over as we go back. Here is Harry,” she said quickly, as that gentleman suddenly burst upon them; and the walk back to Van Heldre’s was accomplished without the discussion.