She had not thought of the man as likely to offer any kind of amusement.
'It would be pleasant, I think,' he added.

'The tide is still running up.

We might go very quietly for a mile or two, and be back as soon as you like.' 'Yes, I should like it.' He brightened up, and moved with a livelier step.

In a few minutes they had chosen their boat, had pushed off, and were gliding to the middle of the broad water.

Widdowson managed the sculls without awkwardness, but by no means like a man well trained in this form of exercise.