Then she laughed and sprang lightly onto dry soil, making much of her companion's awkwardness.

Wogan joined in the laughter, finding therein as she did a cover and a cloak.
"We must walk to Ala," said he.
"It is as well," said she.

"There was a time when cavaliers laid their cloaks in the mud to save a lady's shoe-sole." "Madam," said Wogan, "the chivalry of to-day has the same intention." "But in its effect," said she, "it is more rheumatical." Wogan searched in the carriage and drew out a coil of rope which he slung across his shoulders like a bandolier.

Clementina laughed at him for his precautions, but Wogan was very serious.

"I would not part with it," said he.