The boys had now brought the canoe close up, and Cyril reached out his hand to help her in.
"Come, little coz," he said in his most persuasive tones, "I'm sure your father would not object; there isn't a particle of danger. I'm used to rowing on this river, as well as to fishing and swimming in it—and it's not deep or swift, except in mid-current, and I promise to keep near the shore."
"But papa is very strict and particular," Elsie said, hanging back, though with a longing look in her lovely brown eyes.
"But he likes to have you enjoy yourself, surely?" put in Don.
"Indeed, he does, when it's quite safe and right," Elsie returned with warmth; "he loves me dearly."
"Then he wouldn't like you to miss this pleasure," said Cyril. "The canoe is a borrowed one, and it isn't every day I can get it."
"And if you don't go I can't," remarked Annis.
"Oh, yes, you can," Elsie said; "don't stay for me. I'll go up to the house and amuse myself with a book till you come back."
"No, no, I couldn't think of leaving my company; it wouldn't be at all polite; and I couldn't enjoy it without you; yet I want to go ever so much. O Elsie, do come!"