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.  In any case, I won’t let you drown.”

“I shall be furious if anything happens,” she told him—­“if you splash me even.  So beware!”

He pushed out from the bank with a laugh.  It was evident that her threat did not greatly impress him.

As for Doris, she was evidently enjoying the adventure, and the risks that attended it only added to its charm.  There was something about this man that fascinated her, a freedom and a daring to which her own reckless spirit could not fail to respond.  He was the most interesting plaything she had had for a long time.  She had no fear that he would ever make the mistake of taking her seriously.

They reached the opposite bank in safety, and he handed her ashore with considerable empressement.

“I have a confession to make,” he said, as they walked up to the house.

“Oh, I know what it is,” she returned carelessly.  “Mrs. Lockyard did not expect me and has gone out.”

He nodded.

“You are taking it awfully well.  One would almost think you didn’t mind.”

She laughed.

“I never mind anything so long as I am not bored.”

“Nor do I,” said Brandon.  “We seem to have a good deal in common.  But what puzzles me—­”

He broke off.  They had reached the open French window that led into Mrs. Lockyard’s drawing-room.  He stood aside for her to enter.

“Well?” she said, as she passed him.  “What is this weighty problem?”

He followed her in.

“What puzzles me,” he said, “is how a girl with your natural independence and love of freedom can endure to remain unmarried.”

She opened her eyes wide in astonishment.

“My good sir, you have expressed the exact reason in words which could not have been better chosen.  Independence, love of freedom, and a very strong preference for going my own way.”