That, indeed, proved to be the convenient resting-place.  A wild spot, a hollow amid the rolling expanse of moorland, its little lake of black water glistening under the midday sun.  And here stood a shepherd’s cottage, the only habitation they had seen since leaving Boot.  Somewhat uncertain about the course to be henceforth followed, they made inquiry at this cottage, and a woman who appeared to be quite alone gave them the needful direction.  Thus at ease in mind they crossed the bridge at the foot of the tarn, and just beyond it found a spot suitable for repose.  Everard brought forth his sandwiches and his flask of wine, moreover a wine-glass, which was for Rhoda’s use.  They ate and drank festively.

’Now this is just what I have enjoyed in imagination for a year or more,’ said Barfoot, when the luncheon was over, and he lay propped upon his elbow, gazing at Rhoda’s fine eyes and her sun-warmed cheeks.  ’An ideal realized, for once in one’s life.  A perfect moment.’

‘Don’t you like the scent of burning peat from that cottage?’

’Yes.  I like everything about us, in heaven and earth, and most of all I like your companionship, Rhoda.’

She could not resent this first use of her Christian name; it was so natural, so inevitable; yet she moved her head as if with a slight annoyance.

‘Is mine as agreeable to you?’ he added, stroking the back of her hand with a spray of heather.  ’Or do you just tolerate me out of good-nature?’

’I have liked your companionship all the way from Seascale.  Don’t disturb my enjoyment of it for the rest of the way.’

’That would be a misfortune indeed.  The whole day shall be perfect.  Not a note of discord.  But I must have liberty to say what comes into my mind, and when you don’t choose to answer I shall respect your silence.’

‘Wouldn’t you like to smoke a cigar before we start again?’

’Yes.  But I like still better not to.  The scent of peat is pleasanter to you than that of tobacco.’

‘Oblige me by lighting the cigar.’

‘If you command—­’ He did her bidding.  ’The whole day shall be perfect.  A delightful dinner at the inn, a drive to Seascale, an hour or two of rest, and then one more quiet talk by the sea at nightfall.’

‘All but the last.  I shall be too tired.’

’No.  I must have that hour of talk by the sea.  You are free to answer me or not, but your presence you must grant me.  We are in an ideal world remember.  We care nothing for all the sons and daughters of men.  You and I will spend this one day together between cloudless heaven and silent earth—­a memory for lifetime.  At nightfall you will come out again, and meet me down by the sea, where you stood when I first saw you yesterday.’

Rhoda made no reply.  She looked away from him at the black, deep water.

‘What an opportunity,’ he went on, raising his hand to point at the cottage, ‘for saying the silliest of conceivable things!’