"He's asked Lee or Gay to guide him, and thinks he's asked me."
Now, Phyllis was not good with oars or fishing-tackle, but she liked Herring's hair and the fact that he never smiled. Furthermore, she believed that, if the worst came to the worst, she could find some of the places where people sometimes took trout.
"I have never," said Herring, "been guided by a young girl."
"What, never!" exclaimed Phyllis.
"Never," he said. "And I am sure that it would work wonders for me."
"Such as?"
"It might lead me to take an interest in gardening. I have always hoped that I should some day."
"People," thought Phyllis, "interested in gardening are rare—especially beautiful young gentlemen with flaming hair. Here is my chance to slaughter two birds with one stone."
"You'll swear not to tell?" she exhorted.