"You need not be sorry. I have been ill, but I am greatly improved now. I hope to go to work in the fall."
He turned about somewhat confusedly to look for his hat, which was lying on the rock. He picked it up and seemed to be going. But he did not go. In the midst of his painful consciousness was the wish that Leander were not present. But the boy was quite visible, and was plainly listening to every word, while his eyes dwelt first upon one face and then upon the other. Was he scenting a "secret?" He still retained his love of secrets, and it must be a jolly one that could make these two people look precisely like this. Things had been very odd indeed the time the Vireo did not come back; perhaps he really would find out now.
"Did you bring your fishing-rod, Lee?" asked Carolyn.
"Yep," said the boy, but he did not stir.
The girl turned. "Come," she said, "and let us see how it works." She spoke with perfect steadiness, but a small, bright red spot had now appeared on each cheek.
"Miss Ffolliott!" exclaimed Lawrence.
She paused and looked back at him. Lawrence had now forgotten the boy; he had almost forgotten everything but that he must try and get this girl's forgiveness. For the instant nothing in the world, save her forgiveness, seemed worth anything.
"I wanted to ask you one question," he said, humbly.
He did not know that his hand which held his hat was trembling pitiably; but Carolyn saw it tremble. She seemed to hesitate, then she said, quickly:
"Leander, run down to the beach and wait for me."