"I have offended you!" cried Claud Belleville. "You, to whom from the first instant I have felt so irresistibly drawn. I am unfortunate, indeed. But you cannot be seriously angry. Give me a chance to redeem myself, I implore you, Miss Montfort. See what a charming little cove opens yonder, just opposite. Delightful to drift and dream for an hour, in the company of one who understands—oh, very, very, very."
"I do not understand," said Margaret, "and I have no desire to do so, Mr. Belleville. I beg you to take me ashore at once,—this moment."
"And if I were bold enough to delay obedience for a few moments? If I felt confident that I could overcome this stern—"
"Gertrude," called Margaret, as the owner of the victorious Jollycumpop passed them with a triumphant greeting, "can you give us a tow?"
"Certainly," said Gertrude. "Anything wrong?"
"On the contrary, dear cousin," said Claud, "I challenge you to a race."
And with a glance at Margaret, half reproachful, half mocking, he bent to his oars, with the first sign of energy he had shown since his arrival.