It was my perseverance--you saw, I hope, that I could never dream of giving you offence.

The rule is necessary, but you see there may be exceptional cases.' He was giving a lazy stroke now and then, which, as the tide was still, just moved the boat onwards.

'I saw something in your face that _compelled_ me to speak to you.

And now we may really be friends, I hope ?' 'Yes--I can think of you as a friend, Mr.Widdowson.' A large boat was passing with four or five young men and girls who sang in good time and tune.

Only a song of the music-hall or of the nigger minstrels, but it sounded pleasantly with the plash of the oars.