As he watched, they reached the farther end and turned.

He recognized them both.

They were Caryl and his host Abingdon.
For a few moments they stood talking, then went away together round an angle of the house.
Scarcely had they disappeared before a girl's light figure appeared at an upstairs window.

Doris's mischievous face peeped forth, wearing her gayest, most impudent grimace.
There was no one else in sight, and with instant decision Brandon stepped into full view, and without the faintest suggestion of concealment began to stroll up the winding path.
She heard his footsteps on the gravel, and turned her eyes upon him with a swift start of recognition.
He raised his hand in airy salute, and he heard her low murmur of laughter as she waved him a hasty sign to await her in the shrubbery from which he had just emerged.
* * * * * "Did you actually come across the river ?" said Doris.

"Whatever made you do that ?" "I said I should come and fetch you, you know, if you didn't turn up," he said.
She laughed.
"Do you always keep your word ?" "To you--always," he assured her.
Her merry face coloured a little, but she met his eyes with absolute candour.
"And now that you have come what can we do?
Are you going to take me on the river?
It looks rather dangerous." "It is dangerous," Brandon said coolly, "but I think I can get you over in safety if you will allow me to try.