It is not proper." Aurora suppressed a smile at the thought of being reproved concerning the proprieties by "Marcello's Regina," and she began the descent.
Regina went down first, facing the rock, and planting the young girl's feet in the best stepping places, one after the other, with constant warnings and instructions as to holding on with her hands.

They reached the bottom in safety, and came to the place where Regina had left her hat and shoes.

She sat down where she had been sitting when she had first heard the cry, and began to put them on.
"I had taken them off for coolness as I sat here," she explained.

"You see, until I was fourteen I only wore them on Sundays." "And yet you have such beautiful feet," Aurora said.
"Have I ?" Regina asked indifferently.

"I thought all feet were alike.
But I have torn my stocking--it is hard to get the shoe on." "Let me help you." Aurora knelt down quickly, and began to loosen the lacing further, but Regina protested, flushing deeply and trying to draw her foot back.
"No, no!" she cried.