"You don't want to come to-night," suddenly said Beatrice to her companion.
Catherine started and colored.
"Why do you say that? I—I am glad to come."
"Don't come if you don't want to. I shall understand."
They had reached the boats. The Bertrams seated themselves in their own. Miss Meadowsweet advised them not to put up the sail, but thought if she kept within easy distance, they might manage the oars. Loftus and Mabel rowed. Kate sat in the stern and steered. Beatrice Meadowsweet applauded, and rowed her own boat with skill. She reached the shore before them, and called out in her clear voice:
"I sha'n't wait now. I shall see you all at seven this evening."
"Reply for us, Kate," whispered Loftus. "Reply for us all, quickly."
"Yes—we'll come," called Catherine across the water.
Beatrice smiled. Her smile was of the sunniest. It flashed back a look of almost love at Catherine. Then she turned to walk up the steep steps which led from the quay to the little High Street.
"We ought not to go," instantly began Catherine.