“Perhaps Miss Vine will reconsider her determination,” said the young man’s companion, in a low soft voice, as he went toward Louise, and seemed to Duncan Leslie to be throwing all the persuasion possible into his manner.
“Oh, no, thank you, Mr Pradelle,” she replied hastily, and Duncan Leslie once more felt relieved and yet pained, for there was a peculiar consciousness in her manner.
“We had brought some cans with us and a hammer and chisel,” continued Pradelle. “Harry thought we might go as far as the gorns.”
“Zorns, man,” cried Harry.
“I beg pardon, zorns, and get a few specimens for Mr Vine.”
“It was very kind and thoughtful of Harry,” said Louise hastily, “and we are sorry to disappoint him—on this his last day—but—”
“Blessed but!” said Harry, with a sneer; and he gave Madelaine a withering look, which made her bite her lip.
“And the fish swarming round the point,” said Uncle Luke impatiently. “Why don’t you go with them, girls?”
“Right again, uncle,” said Harry.
The old man made him a mocking bow.