'If I were not afraid of being tiresome I should even like to go by the boat; it would be the pleasantest way of getting back to town.' 'Yes, it is pleasant on the river,' Emily said rather absently.
They pursued their walk together, and conversed still much in the same way.

Wilfrid learned that her school was in Hammersmith, a large day-school for girls; he led her to speak of the subjects she taught, and of her pupils.
'You prefer it,' he asked, 'to private teaching ?' 'I think so.' Once on the boat their talk grew less consecutive; the few words they exchanged now and then were suggested by objects or places passed.

At length even these remarks ceased, and for the last half-hour they held silence.

Other people close by were talking noisily.

Emily sat with both hands holding the book upon her lap, her eyes seldom moving from a point directly before her.