Mavis was beginning to be interested. It amused and, at the same time, touched her to notice the difference between the dreary nature of the sentiments and the youthful, comely face of the speaker.
"I'm going now," she said.
"Frightened of being seen with me?" he asked.
"When I've Jill for a chaperone?"
"Why don't you come as far as Broughton with me?"
"Across the river?"
"I've a punt moored not far from here."
"But I've got to get back to a meal."
"We can get something to eat there."
"I don't think I will."