The nervousness and the flutter quieted themselves, almost; but probably Elizabeth could not have told then by the impulse of what feeling or feelings it was, that she coolly looked down again and gave her attention so steadily and minutely to the careful bestowment of her skiff, before she would set foot on the rocks and give her hand and eye to the person who had been waiting to claim them.  By what impulse also she left it to him entirely to say what he was there for, and gave him no help whatever in her capacity of hostess.

“You are surprised to see me,” said Rufus after he had shaken the lady’s hand and helped her on shore.

“Rather.  I could not imagine at first who it might be.”

“I am glad to find you looking so well,” said the gentleman gravely.  “Very well indeed.”

“It is the flush of exercise,” said Elizabeth.  “I was not looking well, a little while ago; and shall not be, in a little time to come.”

“Rowing is good for you,” said Rufus.

“It is pleasant,” said Elizabeth.  “I do it for the pleasantness, not for the goodness.”

“Rather severe exercise, isn’t it?”

“Not at all!” said Elizabeth a little scornfully.  “I am not strong-armed just now —­ but it is nothing to move a boat like that.”

“Some ladies would not think so.”

They had been slowly moving up the path towards the house.  As they reached the level of the grassy garden ground, where the path took a turn, Rufus stopped and faced about upon the river.  The fair October evening air and light were there, over the water and over the land.

“It is beautiful!” he said somewhat abstractedly.

“You are not so fond of it as your brother, Mr. Landholm,” said Elizabeth.

“What makes you think so?”

There was quick annoyance in his tone, but Miss Haye was not careful.

“Am I wrong?  Are you as fond of it?”

“I don’t know,” said Rufus.  “His life has been as steadily given to his pursuits as mine has to mine.”

“Perhaps more.  But what then?  I always thought you loved the city.”

“Yes,” Rufus said thoughtfully, —­ “I did; —­ but I love this too.  It would be a very cold head and heart that did not.”

Elizabeth made no reply; and the two enjoyed it in silence for a minute or two longer.

“For what do you suppose I have intruded upon you at this time, Miss Haye?”

“For some particular purpose —­ what, I don’t know.  I have been trying to think.”

“I did not venture to presume upon making an ordinary call of civility.”

What less are you going to do? —­ thought Elizabeth, looking at him with her eyes a little opened.

“I have been —­ for a few months past —­ constantly engaged in business at the South; and it is but a chance which permitted me to come here lately —­ I mean, to Mannahatta —­ on a visit to my brother.  I am not willing to let slip any such opportunity.”