"Yes, thank you."
"It is quite unnecessary. I can assist you," said Phil, advancing.
But he was too late, for Marion had already availed herself of the young boatman's proffered aid.
"Thank you," said Marion again, pleasantly, as she took her seat in the stern.
"Why didn't you wait for me?" demanded Phil crossly, as he took his seat beside her.
"I didn't want to be always troubling you, cousin Phil," said Marion, with a coquettish glance at Grit, which her cousin did not at all relish.
"Don't notice him so much," he said, in a low voice. "He's only a poor boatman."
"He is very good-looking, I think," said Marion.
Grit's back was turned, but he heard both question and answer, and his cheeks glowed with pleasure at the young lady's speech, though it was answered by a contemptuous sniff from Phil.
"I don't admire your taste, Marion," he said.