“Why should I?”
There was a curious and superb simplicity about her that confounded custom. Gabriel had a glib tongue on most occasions. For the nonce he discovered gaucherie in his constitution.
“You are fond of the river?” said the girl, smoothing the blue ribbon between her fingers.
“I am fond of being alone.”
“So am I.”
“Do you mean that for a hint?”
“I am always alone. What should I hint at? I dislike obscurities.”
“I was only sensitive for your sake,” said the man, with a smile.
“That is chivalry, is it not?”
“Perhaps.”