"I am much pleased to know that you have assumed a place in her life," said the young man, warmly, turning upon her a face that told her of the honesty of his words and thoughts. He spoke openly, as if they had known each other for a much longer time. He continued:
"If my judgment is not at fault, and I am sure Marie's friendship confirms my opinion, there could not have been a better choice made by her."
"Thank you," she said, blushing at the unreserved expression of his approval, while she laughed to hide the embarrassment his words caused.
He also burst out laughing, and said, "Pardon me, Miss Gaston, but I do not feel as if I had not known you for a long time. The climb we had together and your purpose in regard to my friends here have made me feel well towards you, and are accountable for my plain statement of our position. We have these things in common, and from them springs a mutual interest."
So they came to an understanding, and yet each formed erroneous ideas of the other, whose result would be felt seriously by both for years of their life.
"Our friends are on the beach, I observe, waiting for me at the ford. I do not think they know that you have returned," she said.
Their appearance was the signal for the waving of handkerchiefs and the exchange of merry greetings.
"We have been expecting you, Mr. Winslow," said Mrs. Forest, after an exchange of courtesies.
"I was longer on Blomidon than I expected to be. I did not think to find you here so soon."