“That,” said I, “is going to be your bed,” and clambering out I began to gather armfuls of fragrant small branches and brush.

The canoe was soon half filled, and, spreading the blanket over the boughs, I said—

“Whenever you are ready to retire, there is your chamber.”

“How jolly!” she cried.

Then she stopped. A new expression, which I misread, came into her eyes.

“I have my lodgings up the hill a ways,” I said hurriedly. “I’ll bid you good night.”

“Mr. Pitt!” she said, and for the first time her under lip trembled suspiciously.

“It’s a considerable distance away,” I assured her. “I’ll be quite out of sight. Really, you needn’t——”

Her lip ceased trembling. A tiny twinkle came into her eyes, a trace of a smile showed in the corners of her mouth.

“Good gracious!” she cried. “I believe that you—you think I’m worrying—about being alone with you!”