"Come on; there's not much risk of a slip." Since it was too late to refuse, Grace took his hand and he waded across, steadying her, while the current rippled round his legs.

Some of the stones were covered, but with his support she sprang across the gaps and the effort did not hurt her foot as much as she had thought.

He was not awkward.

She liked his firm grasp, and his care that she did not fall; particularly since she saw he was satisfied to give her the help she needed and knew when to stop.

After she got across she thanked him and let him go.
When she crossed the field Askew went home in a thoughtful mood, though he was conscious of a pleasant thrill.