"Yes," he said, "but not here. Soon. When I am alone." He did not smile.
"Then," she said, "be at the float at five-thirty sharp."
That night she sought out Lee and Gay.
"Such a joke," she said. "I've promised to guide Mr. Herring—to-morrow at five-thirty, but he thinks that it's one of you two who has promised. Now, as I don't row or fish, one of you will have to take my place for the credit of the family."
But her sisters were laughing in their sleeves.
"My dear girl," said Gay, "why the dickens didn't you tell us sooner? We also have made positive engagements at five-thirty to-morrow morning."
"What engagements?" exclaimed Phyllis.
Gay leaned close and whispered confidentially.
"We've made positive engagements," she said, "to sleep till breakfast time."