‘Why are you so cross? I suppose I have managed to offend you again. I never saw anyone so touchy and unreasonable!’

‘It doesn’t very much matter—does it?’

‘Why?’

‘I mean, you don’t really care whether—oh!—never mind.’

‘Now, I really believe you are annoyed because I went in your cousin’s boat last night, instead of yours. But what could I do? I couldn’t say, “I prefer to go with Mr. Lindsay”—could I?’

‘No; but—but you never seem to think of me at all now, Miss Mowbray.’

‘Nonsense!’ answered the girl, as a pleased blush came over her face. ‘And to prove my goodwill, I’ll tell you what I will do. I will let you take me for a row this evening.’

‘Will you?’

This was said so eagerly that Laura could not help blushing again.

‘The others are going to dine at Mr. Grainger’s to-night, over at Loch Lomond side.’