The young man caught the movement and recovered himself.

He had ventured on a thin spot, as was his custom, and the sound of the cracking ice had warned him in time.
"Oh, I see, they're apple blossoms," he added carelessly as he straightened up.

"We've got a lot in our orchard.

You like flowers, I see." The even tone and perfect self-possession of the young man reassured her.
"Oh, I adore them; don't you ?" Lucy answered in a relieved, almost apologetic voice.

She was sorry she had misjudged him.