Alene glanced across the water.
"I suppose we had better, at any rate until we reach dry land," she replied.
"Won't Ivy be sorry she missed this good chance to say 'thank you, sir,' for rescuing us again?" remarked Laura.
"Do you mean the little girl with the big, snapping eyes and—"
"Yes; she was offended with Hugh because he failed to drag you back with him to be thanked prettily by us girls!"
"I didn't want any thanks, but I suspect Hugh wasn't sorry I wouldn't go with him. I'm afraid he doesn't approve of me?"
Laura became suddenly occupied with her rowing and Alene felt called upon to answer.
"Why—" she hesitated.
"You needn't be afraid to say; I know they think I'm a bad case!"
"Oh—no, Hugh said you were all right by yourself!"