Astonishment rendered her silent for a moment, when she laughingly exclaimed:
"For pity sake, Guy! was it you threw the pebbles?"
"Yes, and am I to believe that it was you who was whistling?"
"Well, as you took me for Georgie, it must have been well done, so I'll own to the whistling; but what brings you here so early in the morning? I am not dressed for visitors at this hour," and she glanced down at her short frock, that revealed a neat foot and well-turned ankle; then pulling forward the sun-bonnet that had fallen back from her head, added:
"This is the latest style. I hope you admire it."
"I do, indeed," and his face filled the front of it for a moment.
"Oh! do come in till I shut the gate; someone might see us. Now, what do you want with Georgie, if I may ask?" and she lifted a saucy face to his.
"I didn't want him particularly, but I thought it was he who was whistling, and I was going to ask him to look for you, but as it is your own sweet self, so much the better, for I want to speak to you here a minute."
"But why here, at the back gate?"
"I wanted to ask if you would drive into the country with me, as I have to go on a matter of business."