"Right," chuckled the elder man triumphantly—"see that?"
"Y-e-s. It's curious I never saw it before—and near Kilwinnie, too. But it seems all right; it is not likely to be a garden escape."
And they proceeded to compare specimens with much interest and enthusiasm.
"We intended to go on a little farther," said the elderly gentleman at last. "As you are botanising also, perhaps you will join us?"
Mona assented gladly, and they walked together a few miles along the coast, before turning back towards Kilwinnie.
"I suppose you have done no microscopic botany?" said her friend suddenly.
This, from Rachel's point of view, was approaching dangerous ground; but she was never likely to see these men again. They did not look like natives.
"Yes, I have done a little," said Mona. "I have attended a botany class."
"Indeed! May I ask where?"
"In London"—and as he still looked at her enquiringly, "at University College," she added.